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1803 19D3 

IRecorb 
Xlbe Celebration ^^^ 

of tbe 

dcntenar^ 

of tbe 

Xlalbot Settlement 

belb in tbe l^ear of ®ur Xor& 

1903 



PUBLICATION COMMITTEE 
C.O.ERMATINGER, Compiler and Editor, Chairman 
JAMES H. COYNE, LL. D., F. R. S. C. 
W. H. MURCH 



THE ELGIN HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE 
" A. D. T/10 






PUBLICATIONS 



OF THE 



Elgin Historical and Scientific Institute 



1. Historical Sketches of the County of Elgin 

including 1 — The Country of the Neutrals— /i:?5' H. Coyne 
2— The Talbot Settlement— C. O. Ermatinger 
• 3— Development of the County of Elgin— A'. W. McKay 

with copy (ialinee's map, illustrations and other inter- 
esting data— 120 pages bound in cloth— price, gilt lettered 
*1.(KJ. Plain Sdc. 



2. The Court Houses of a Century 

including The Munro House, 1800—1802. 
Turkey Point,' 1802—1812. 
The Vittoria Court House, 1815—1826 
The London Court Houses, 1826—1853 
The Elgin Court Houses, 1853—1900. 
compiled by K. W, McKay, with introduction by 
J. H. Coyne, numerous illustrations, calendared paper 
Price 15c 

3. Record of the Celebration of the Centen- 

ary of the Talbot Settlement held 

A.D. 1903 Compiled by C O. Ermaiinger, Edilor 
12 pages— calendared paper — beautifully illustrated— 38 
cuts— price, yjaper 25o, by mail 30c; bound in cloth $1.00. 

To be obtained from 

THE SECRETARY 

ELGIN HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE 
ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO 






^ 



Elgin Historical and Scientific Institute 

FOUNDED 1891 

FIRST OFFICERS 

JAMES H.COYNE, President. JUDGE ERMATINGER, Vice-Pres 

W. H. MURCH, Secretary 
J. S. ROBERTSON, Treasurer. F. HUNT, Editor 

K. W. McKAY, Librarian FRANK L. FARLEY, Curator 

COUNCIL 

J. WILKINSON W. R. JACKSON 

J. S. BRIERLEY A W.CAMPBELL 

W. ATKIN and the officers 

OFFICERS A. D. 1903 

C. O. ERMATINGER, President. . S. SI LCOX, Vice President 

W. H. MURCH, Secretary Treasurer 

MISS C. WEGG, Ass. Sec. MRS. ST. THOMAS SMITH, Curator 

FRANK HUNT, Editor 

COUNCIL 1903 

MRS. GUSTIN, MRS. CORMACK, MRS. W. R. JACKSON 

MRS. F.M. GRIFFIN, MRS. J. H. WILSON, 

CHAS. OAKES, J. H. COYNE, K W. McKAY 

J. W. STEWART and the officers 



WOMEN'S AUXILIARY, FOUNDED JAN., 1901 

MRS. S. E. BURNS, President. MRS. J. H. \\TLS(JN, Viue-Presidcnt 

MRS. J. H, COYNE, Secretary 

OFFICERS WOMEN'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1903 

MRS. .J. H. WILSOX, President; MRS. J. H. COYNE, Vice-Pres. 

MRS. C. 0. ERMATINGER. •2Md Vice-Pre.s. 
MRS. D. O'SHEA, 3rd Vice-Pres, MRS. S. SILCOX, Rec. -Secretary. 

MISS C WECtU, Assistant Recording Secretary 

MRS. E. W. (iSUTIN, Corred.-Sec. MRS. E. H. CAUGHELL, Treasurer 

MISS F. McLACHLIN, As.sistant Treasurer. 

COUNCIL 
MRS. WILSON, MRS, (JORMACK, MRS. W. R. JACKSON 

MRS.GUSTIN MRS.F. M. GRIFFIN 



OFFICERS 1908-09 

President, J. H. COYNE; Vice-Pres. MRS. J. H. WILSON 

Secretary, HERBERT S. WE(JG Treasurer, W. H. MURCH 
Curator MRS. ST. THOMAS SMITH Editor C. (). ERMATINGER 

COUNCIL 

Judge Colter, Samuel Price, J.W.Stewart, Frank Hunt. K. W\ McKay, 

Mrs. J. S. Robertson, Mrs. Erniatinger, Mrs. T. Duncombe, 

Mrs. C. St. Clair Leitch and the otiicers 




Mrs. J. H. Wilson 
President Women's Historical Society, 1903 



Mrs. E. W. Gustin 
Corr. Sec. Women's Historical Society, 1903 




Mrs. J. H. Coyne 
Vice-Pres Women's Historical Society, 1903 



Mrs. E. H. Caughell 
Treas. Women's Historical Society, 1903 



THE ELGIN HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INSTI- 
TUTE established in 1891 has among its chief objects, 
the collection and preservation of records and memorials of 
the early history of the country and especially of the county of 
Elgin. 

From voluntary contributions the nucleus of a library and 
museum has been gathered, which has gradually grown to a 
considerable collection of books and objects of interest. Their 
removal to quarters more accessible to the public in the near 
future will, it is hoped, stimulate public interest in the work of 
the society. Books, documents and objects of historic interest 
for the museum will be welcomed by the society either as gifts 
or on deposit for safe keeping. 

The continued growth of the society's collection will in time 
it is felt, call for the erection or acquirement by the Institute of 
a building of their own. Legacies or donations for this object 
will be welcomed and invested, until the fund so formed is suffi- 
cient for the purpose in view. 

In issuing this, its third publication, the society feels that 
acknowledgements are due to the Ontario Government for the 
grant (an annual one it is hoped) of $100, which has enabled the 
society to meet the cost of this publication, and to Finlay G. 
MacDiarmid, M.P.P., and C. A. Brower, M.P.P., for their assist- 
ance in obtaining such grant. 



The 1 albot Setilenieiii 




Colonel Talbot 



Centennial Celebration 



Introductory 



On 2ist May, 1803, Lt. Colonel Thomas Talbot, commenced 
the settlement known ever since by his name, by landing and 
cutting the first tree at Port Talbot. 

The lands subsequently settled under his superintendence 
embraced 29 — afterwards by subdivisions enlarged to 34 — 
townships, now forming the whole of one (Elgin) and parts of 
four other counties. 

In 1817 there was inaugurated an annual Celebration on 
the 2ist of May in each year which was continued until after the 
the Rebellion of 1837-38. It consisted of a dinner followed 
by a ball, and was held at or near St. Thomas, except upon the 
last one or two occasions when it was held at London. 

By a letter to the press of St. Thomas dated 22nd May 1899 
and published in the Journal and Times the following day, the 
writer drew the attention of the public to the approaching 
Centennial anniversary of the founding of the settlement and 
proposed a suitable Celebration of the event and a permanent 
memorial in some form. 

At a meeting of the Elgin Historical and Scientific In- 
stitute held at the old Town Hall on the 5th June 1899 it was 
"moved by Judge Ermatinger, seconded by J. H. Coyne — that in 
the opinion of this meeting steps should be taken for a formal 
Celebration of the founding of the Talbot Settlement in May 
1903 and that it be referred to the Council to report upon the 
subject — carried." 

Committees were subsequently appointed by the Elgin 
Historical and Scientific Institute and the County Council of 
Elgin and City Council of St. Thomas to act in concert, 
primarily with regard to the erection of a permanent memorial 
to be erected in honour of the pioneers of the Settlement and . 
to commemorate the Centenary of its commencement, the cen- 
tral figure of which should be a statue of Queen Victoria. 
The Elgin Council passed a grant of one fourth of the cost 
(not to exceed $4000) and the City Council of St. Thomas a 
grant of $2000, but neither the Provincial nor DominionGovern- 
ment, nor the other municipalities of the settlement having 



S TJie Talbot SeHlenieni 

contributed, the Elgin Council's grant was withdrawn and the 
memorial project for the time being fell to the ground. 

In the winter of 1903 the Council of the Elgin Historical 
and Scientific Institute again took up the subject of the cele- 
bration of the Centenary and a committee consisting of the pre- 
sident, Judge Ermatinger, Vice President Dr. Silcox. Messrs J. H. 
Coyne. J. W. Stewart and W. H. Murch and Lt. Colonel Mc- 
Lachlin of the 25th Regiment, waited upon the City Council and 
outlined a proposal for a public celebration to commence on 
2ist May, when a Banquet would be held by the Institute and 
concluding on the 25th May, Victoria Day, and embracing the 
formal opening of the new Collegiate Institute and the armouries, 
an "old boys" gathering and a review of Militia and Cadets. 
Inasmuch as the Ontario Historical Society had been invited 
by the Institute, as well as by the City Council, to hold their 
annual summer meeting at St. Thomas, the Society would meet 
here in the first week of June, and such meeting (during which 
a drive to the Southwold Earthworks and Port Talbot was to take 
place) would form a fitting conclusion to the celebration. 

The subject was referred to No. i committee of the city council 
who joined the Committee of the Institute in a request that the 
mayor call a public meeting to discuss the question of a celebre- 
tion and should the general celebration be decided on, to form a 
Citizens' Committee to carry it out. 



Cciiieiiiiial Celebration 



The General Committee 



The mass meeting of citizens called and presided over by 
the Mayor was held at the City Hall on the evening of the gth 
March, 1903, when Mr. Henry Roe having been elected Secretary 
a resolution in favour of a Centennial Celebration was passed, 
and a committee ' consisting of Messrs. Judge Ermatinger 
the Mayor and J. W. Stewart, President of the Board of Trade, 
was appointed to select a committee of citizens to draft & form 
of demonstration and present the same for ratification at a public 
meeting on March 23rd. 

The general committee so selected consisted of the following 
gentlemen :-Mayor Maxwell, Dr. F. Guest, E. A. Smith, L. Fer- 
guson, W. B. Waterbury, R. 
M. Anderson, W. H. Murch, 
H. C. Hockin, B. F. Honsing- 
er, O. Masterman, P. Meehan, 
S. Silcox, F.McCormack, Tal- 
bot Macbeth, Sheriff Brown, 
C. O. Ermatinger, J.W. vStew- 
art, F. Doggett, Col. McLach- 
lin, J. H. Coyne, T.J. Court- 
enay, Henry Roe, L. H. 
Dingman, F. W. Wright, Dr. 
Bartlett, P. M.L. Egan, Peter 
Stewart, K.W. McKav, J. H. 
Price, H. Rudolph. J. Mc- 
Kenzie, to whom the following 
were subsequently added; M. 
G. Hay. G. R. McColl, F. 
Sutherland, H.McPherson, R. 
L. McCally, E. A. Horton. G. 
Geddes, F. S. Lewis and A- S. 
Smith. 




Mayor C. F. Maxwell 



(For Summary of General Committee's Proceedings see Post) 

LORD DUNDONALD AND THE GOVERNOUR-GENERAL 



The Minister of Militia was obliged to decline the General 
Committee's invitation to visit the city and open the armouries 



10 The Talhoi Settlement 

on 25th Ma}', owing to his having made an engagement previous- 
ly to spend that day at Brant ford. 

Lord Dundonald, general officer commanding the Militia 
of Canada, in the course of an Inspection tour visited the City 
on April 6th and inspected the Collegiate Institute Cadets 
and the new Armouries and, being invited to return and 
formally open the latter on 25th May, promised to do so if his 
other engagements would permit but subsequently notified 
the committee of his inability to do so. 

His Excellency the Goverxour General was in\'ited bv 
the Elgin Historical and Scientific Institute to attend the Ban- 
quet on 2 1 St May and by the Mayor to accept addresses from the 
city and other municipalities at the same time, but had previous- 
ly arranged for an earlier tour of Western Ontario. His Excel- 
lency, accompanied by the Countess of Minto and Lady Eileen 
Elliott and his Staff, accordingly paid a brief visit to St. Thomas 
on May 13th and was met at the Grand Trunk-Wabash Station 
by the Mayor and Council, the Judges and officials of the city 
and the railway companies, Colonel Burke, United States 
Consul, and Lt. Colonel McLachlin. A guard of honour, consis- 
ting of 100 men of the 25th Regiment, with the Band of the 
Regiment, under command of Captain Green, Lieuts. Atkinson 
and Corrie, was present and after inspecting the guard. His Ex- 
cellency and party were driven to the Collegiate Institute 
grounds, where the Cadets under Captain Jones were inspected 
and complimented, and the national anthem sung by the 
scholars; thence to the Wellington Street School and Alma 
College, at each of which patriotic choruses were well rendered, 
after which the corporation's address was read by the Ma3^or 
in the counciL chamber of the city hall, in which reference' 
was made to the history, and approaching Centennial Celebration 
of the commencement of the settlement; His Excellency in his 
reply expressing his pleasure at visiting the city, and his regret 
at being unable to be present at the actual celebration — after 
which a reception was held by their excellencies, who were sub- 
sequently driven to the Wabash station and departed for 
Chatham. 

DECORATIONS AND ILLUMINATIONS 

The city was tastefully decked with flags and bunting on 
the day of Lord Minto's visit — but not approaching in brilliancy 
its appearance by the 21st May, when the work of the Decoration 
and Illumination Committees, as well as of citizens in general, 
to beautify the city, was drawing to a close. Both Committees 



Cenieiuual Celebration 



// 



named had done their work well. Never had St. Thomas pre- 
sented an appearance approaching in brilliancy that which it 
had now assumed. Green foliage hid the unsightly poles along 
either side of Talbot Street, among which flags innumerable and 
bunting of red, white and blue, the prescribed colours, waved 
and fluttered in the gentle breezes of the glorious weather which 
continued throughout the Celebration from first to last. Resi- 
dence streets vied with one another in their desire to present a 
gala appearance, and on some the co-operative plan was adopt- 
ed with marked success, both in uniformity and general attrac- 
tiveness. On these num- 
berless-ropes of red, white 
and blue bannerets, taste- 
fully designed, were strung 
across the street from end 
to end; while Chinese lan- 
terns hung throughout, with 
electric lights here and there, 
gave at night a fairy-like 
appearance to the whole. 
Pearl, Mitchell, and Kains 
streets may be mentioned 
among those which, b}' the 
adoption of this system, pre- 
sented the most attractive 
appearance of the residence 
streets of the city. But 
where decorations and illum- 
inations were so general, that 
no house in the city seemed 
to be without gay attire, it 
seems invidious to particu- 
larize. Arches suitably decorated 




K. W. McKay 
Librarian Elgin Historical and Sc. Inst., 1903 



and emblazoned were 
erected over Talbot street east in the neighbourhood of the 
Michigan Central station, a "Welcome" for the "Old Boys" 
and a Welcome to "Millersburg" — by which name t-liat part 
of the citv was known in earher days — being conspicuous. A 
handsome arch, illuminated at night by acetylene gas and a 
locomotive headlight, spanned Metcalfe street in front of the 
Granite Rink, where the evening entertainments in connection 
with the celebration were held. Adjoining the Rink a Log 
Cabin, brought from its former site in South wold, was re-erec- 
ted un ier the superintendence of Mr. F. Payne and placed in 
charge of the Ladies' Branch Historical Society, who exhibited 
in it a variety of pioneer utensils and other articles of histor- 



12 



The Talbot Settlejuent 



ical interest. 

Three immense devices formed of electric colored bulbs, 
placeds at suitable intervals, andsome three dozen additional 
arc lights, with the innumerable electric and gas illuminations 
and Chinese lanterns displayed by banks, business firms and 
citizens, rendered Talbot Street and its decorations as brilhant 
by night a"s by day. The City Hall extended an immense 
electric "Welcome", the Dominion Government had the facade 
of the handsome Post Office picked out with coloured Electric 
bulbs. The church of the Holy Angels and the Separate School 




The Log Cabin 

were distinguished by handsome gas illuminations, the cross 
on the church door presenting a beautiful effect. The Wabash- 
Grand Trunk and Michigan Central stations were both hand- 
somely draped and illuminated. Citizens generally responded 
loyally to the call of the Illumination, as well as of the Decora- 
tion committee, with the result that no part of the city — ■ 
scarcely a house in fact — was without some display both by 
day and evening, while so many were both lavishly and taste- 
fully decked that the general effect was as has already been 
stated of unprecedented brilliancy. 



Ceiitcuiiial Cclebvahoii 



13 



Opening of the Celebration 

Precisely at lo a.m., May 21st, the bells of the city pealed 
forth a joyous chorus while innumerable steam whistles of fac- 
tories, railway shops and locomotives swelled the volume of 
sound to a clamorous din, which, so far from maddening the 
hearers, served to put everyone in great good humour — a state 
of mind which was general and continued throughout the 
succeeding days of the Celebration. 

This was the signal that the new century had arrived, that 
the celebration of the Centenary had begun and that the 
finishing touches should be given to both decorations and illu- 
minations. These, with the reception and registering of re- 
turning "old boys" were the chief occupations connected with 
the celebration during' the dav . 



THE HISTORICAL 
BANQUET 

The banquet given 
by the Elgin Historical 
and Scientific Institute 
to commemorate the 
one hundredth Talbot 
Anniversary day, at the 
Grand Central Hotel, 
was the chief event of 
the evening. The foll- 
owing is the St. Thomas 
Journal's report of the 
affair: — 

The banquet of the 
Historical Society at the 
Grand Central Hotel 
last night was an un- 
qualified success. If 
Colonel Talbot could 
have stepped into the 
spacious dining room 
while the feast was in 
progress he might easily 
have imagined himself 




Judi^re Ermatinger 
President Elgin Historical and Sc. I:i5t., 1903 



1-f I'he Talbot Settlemeui 

again at the court of St. James surrounded b_v the vouth, 
beauty and fashion of Britain. The scene was certainly a 
brilliant one. The capacity of the large hall was overtaxed 
to accommodate all who desired to attend. 

The company began to assemble shortly after eight o'clock 
and an informal reception took place in the parlors of the hotel 
lasting till a quarter to ten when the doors were thrown open and 
the places were taken at the tables. 

His Honor Judge Ermatinger was in the chair. On his 
right were in the order named: Mrs. J. H. Wilson, Sir John Car- 
ling, Mrs. Ermatinger, Talbot Macbeth, London; Mrs. Coyne. 
Wm. B. Ellison, New York; Mrs. Jackson, Rev. Canon Hill, 
Mrs. Ida Moore Morris; A. B. Ingram, M.P., Mrs. Maxwell. 
Dr. J. H. Wilson, ex M. P., Mrs. St. Thomas Smith, N. W. 
Moore, Mrs. N. W\ Moore, K. W. McKay, Mrs. A. B. Ingram, 
Miss' Moore, Mrs. Herbert Spencer, Jabel Robinson, M. P., 
Mrs. F. Hunt, George Demare, Mrs. George Demare, Mrs. 
A. P. Campbell, W. Atkin, W. B. Waterbury, Dr. Sidney Silcox, 
Bruce Davis, Frank Hunt, J. P., R. J. Dunsmore, Mrs. Don. 
Bowen, Tecumseh, Mich., W. George H. McAlister, Aylmer, 
J. McCausland, R. McLachlin, Mrs. E. A. Smith, Rev. Robt. Iron- 
sidesWarner, D.D., Mrs. Harstone, St. Marvs, E. H. Caughell, 
Henry Roe, Aid. Fred. W.Wright, Mrs. P. Meehan, Aid. P. 
Meehan, Mrs. S. Chant, S. Chant, ex-mavor, Mrs. F.W. Wright, 
Finlay G. Macdiarmid, M. P. P., Mrs. Silcox, J. M. Mc- 
Cutcheon. 

To the left of the chairman in the order named were : 
Mrs. W. B. EUison, New York, Mayor C. F. Maxwell, Mrs. 
Talbot Macbeth, London, Rev. J.' A. MacDonald, Toronto, 
Mrs. W. Atkin, Mayor W. S. Caron, Aylmer, Mrs. F.J. Payne, 
Talbotville, William Risdon, Rev. John Morrison, Springfield; 
John F. Langan, Chicago; W.R. Jackson, A. B. Patterson, Mrs. 
Mac Kay, J. Marlatt, L. D. Marlatt, W. E. Idsardi, E. Horton, 
D. K. McKenzie, John Midgley, ex- Mayor, Miss Kathleen 
Gilbert, J. B. Coyne, Miss Gertrude Gilbert, Alex. Creelman, 
Hamilton, D. H. Price, Aylmer, James A. Bell, Mrs. Jackson 
I. W. McKay, Robert McCuUv, ex-mayor, Dr. W. C.Vanbuskirk 
Aid. William Trott, Oscar McKenny, W. F. Luton, W. Rockey, 
James H. Coyne, Ed. McKellar. warden of the countv. Dr. and 
Mrs. R. M. Lipsey, D. A. McLartv, Mrs. J. E. Wilson, S. J. Croc- 
ker, Miss Charlotte S. Wegg, H. C. Hindmarsh, Miss Margaret A. 
c } 1 t J. G. B. Coyne, Clara K. Moore, Miss C. E. Coyne. Morley 
Pettit, Miss Muriel Ermatinger, A. P. Campbell, Dr. Guest, Dr. 



Ceidcjinial Celehratioii 



15 




Bennett, John Campbell, L. H. Dingman, H. C. Hocken, N. H. 
Buchner, John Thompson, W. H. Murch, J. W. Stewart and a few 
others. 

THE TOAST LIST 

There were only three toasts on the list, but quite a number of 
addresses, some of them being particularly happy. 

After the cloth had been removed, Mr. W.' H. Murch an- 
nounced that letters of regret at their inability to be present had 
been received from the Governor-General, the Lieutenant- 
Governor, Hon. G. W. Ross, Hon. Mr. Harcourt and many others. 

The chairman. Judge 
Ermatinger, in proposing 
the health of "The King," 
took occasion to extend a 
welcome to all present, 
and referred to the early 
Talbot anniversaries. It 
was not the fault of the 
committee that the ban- 
quet had been so long in 
starting. He hoped the 
strangers present would re- 
main during the whole 
celebration. 

The toast was receiv- 
ed by the singing of the 
National Anthem. 

Kenneth Finlay sang 
in splendid form and voice 
"Heroes and Gentlemen." 

Dr. Sidney Silcox, the 
first vice - chairman, pro- 
posed the second toast, 
"Canada." Fault was 

sometimes found with 
Canada that everything 
was so new. This could not 
now be said of the Talbot Settlement, which being loo years 
old had got over being new. We should all be proud of the pro- 
gress and development of the country and a greater future and 
along better lines than in the pastjwas in store for us. What we 
should do is not to waste, but to protect the resources of the 
countrv and not to repeat the errors made by our faithful 
forefathers whose good points vastly outweighed all their 
errors. He asked the company to drink to "Canada — the 







Sec 



W. H. Mnrch 
-Treas. Elgin Historical and Sc. Inst 1903 



/6 



The Talbot Scitlcuieiit 



country of great possibilities," which was enthusiastically done. 

Senator Sir John Carling, who was the first to respond to the 
toast, was received with cheers. He assured the company of his 
pleasure at being present and of the great pleasure it had given 
him to again visit our beautiful city. He said he was delighted 
with St. Thomas and he referred to the beautiful hills, ravines, 
roads, drives, well kept lawns and boulevards all of which charm- 
ed him and he said he would never forget his visit to St. Thomas. 
He was a Canadian, born in Ontario, his father coming to Cana- 
da eighty-four years ago and under- 
going the same hardships as did the 
other pioneers of the Talbot Settle- 
ment. He was pleased to see so many 
ladies and gentlemen present to do 
honor to the old pioneers who had 
done so much for the Talbot Settle- 
ment. He could tell what the early 
settlers had to put up with. There 
were no mechanics and his father had 
to make him his own boots and his 
mother card the wool, spin the yarn, 
and make his clothes. He had worn 
nothing on his back until after he was 
ten years old but that which was 
made by his father and mother. He 
pictured the lack of tools and mach- 
inery to conduct farming operations 
in the early days and the advancement 
made up to the present time. Sir 
John here paid some little attention to Andrew Carnegie. He 
said that it had been said bv a verv foolish old man who 
was trying to make himself popular b\^ scattering around 
his dollars, that there was no future for Canada except in 
belonging to the United States. Carnegie was very much mis- 
taken. Senator Carling here reviewed the events leading up to 
the confederation of the provinces and said that we had great 
men in those days who sacrificed their own private views to bring 
about a united Canada. He paid a high tribute to Sir John A. 
Macdonald, Hon. George Brown and Hon. D'Arcy McGee, and 
made the statement that at one time Sir John and Hon. George 
Brown were not on speaking terms but buried the hatchet to 
bring about confederation. The people of Great Britain were 
now looking to Canada as a source for their food supply and 
Canada could supply them for all time to come. Canada had a 
great future. He referred to what had been accomplished in the 




Dr S. Silcox 

Vice-President Elgin Historical 

and Sc Inst., 1903 



Coiiciniial Cclcbvaiioii 



n 



wav of railroad building during the past fifty 3'ears until now we 
can travel from ocean to ocean in one hundred hours when in the 
past it took months and months to make the trip. Everything has 
been and is being done to open up and develop our great countr\" 
from one end to the other. Hereferred,to the vast stretches of lands 
in the Northwest and New Ontario being opened up and said at 
the present rate of railway building w^e would soon take a run out 
there to spend our holidays. These portions of Canada would fur- 
nish homes for millions of people yet unborn. No country, he 
said, had a more liberal system of education than Canada has and 
he praised the late Dr. Ryer- 
son for what he had done for 
education. With the charac- 
ter of our people, our natural 
advantages and resources, no 
country can or is advancing 
as rapidly as Canada is. We 

care not what a man's religion ^ -•«> 

is, all we want to know^ is that 
he is a good subject of Can- 
ada and we are all joined to 
gether to work for the advan - 
cement of Canada which is 
destined to be one of the great 
est countries in the world. 
He read statistics showing 
the great increase in railroad 
mileage and earnings, said 
that we ought to manufacture 
all we required in Canada and 
send a surplus to other count- 
ries, and concluded by pay- 
ing a tribute to Canada's soldier boys who 
war. 

Rev. J. A. Macdonald, editor of the Globe, made a brief and 
able speech in replv to the toast. He said we should believe. in 
Canada's resources, believe in her wealth of mines, seas, woods 
and lands. We could believe in her great resources and yet not 
one half of a tenth part is known. But not all these could make 
Canada truly great, not from material wealth but from the man- 
hood and womanhood properly trained will spring true greatness. 
We may be great because of our resources and enterprises, but be- 
hind all this there must be a solid manhood, independence and 
truth. He-referred to the prosperity during the past century and 
said that if we all united in putting forth our best efforts and tak- 




Hon. Sir John Carlirg 



served in the Boer 



18 



The Talbot Settleineiit 



ing advantage of every opportunity that offers, the progress of 
the past century would be as nothing to that of the coming cen- 
tury. For Canada's sake he asked that in the new century all 
Canadians believe in her intelligence, integrity and high ideals, 
believe that manhood is greater than everything else and the only 
thing that will make a country truly great. 

Mr. Jabel Robinson, M.P., also replied to the toast. He said 
we should be men, and what we undertake to do, do it M'ith all 

our might. He had first 
/i% .' ^ come to the village of St. 
Thomas fortv-seven years 
ago, when Judge Ermatin- 
ger's father was Mayor. He 
spoke of his pride in being 
one who helped to build up 
St. Thomas. He had much 
to say but no time to say 
it, and asked those present 
to come down to the House 
of Commons and listen to 
him some time when he had 
the floor. 

Mr. Henry Roe recited 
"Canadian Volunteers." 

Mr. J. H. Coyne, sec- 
ond vice-chairman, pro- 
posed the last toast of the 
evening. "The Talbot 
Settlement," and referred 
to the fact that the dis- 
trict one hundred years 
ago a virgin forest had 
been transformed into fer- 
tile lands peopled by a happ)' and prosperous people. He 
mentioned a number of persons who had been born in the Talbot 
Settlement who had attained eminence in various walks of life. 

Mayor Maxwell in responding to the toast said that the ban- 
quet was a fitting opening to the Centennial Celebration. As 
Mayor of the city he welcomed all the visitors present, and hoped 
that the demonstration would in every way be a pleasure to them. 
The past century had been the most progressive in the world's 
history. There was no doubt in regard to the future of Canada. 
With its resources and its manhood, it w^as bound to go ahead. 
The twentieth century was Canada's centurv. St. Thomas led 
in many ways. We were pioneers in municipal ownership of 




Jabel Robinson, M. P. 



Cen tejuiial Celebration 



19 



waterworks, in the making of good roads and in the municipal 
operation of our own electric street railway. St. Thomas he 
said, educated the good roads man w^ho was now educating the 
other municipalities how to construct good roads. 

Talbot McBeth, K.C., of London, expressed in the openmg of 
his response the thanks of Mrs. McBeth and himself at being in- 
vited to be present and the pleasure it had given them. He was 
the owner of the Talbot farm, on which the first tree was cut one 
hundred years ago. It 
was the finest spot in 
the fairest section of the 
garden of Canada. Mr. 
McBeth threw out the 
suggestion that the an- 
niversary of the Talbot 
Settlement should be 
celebrated at least every 
ten years and he hoped 
to be present on his 6oth 
birthday to celebrate 
the iioth anni\'ersary 
of the Talbot Settle- 
ment. 

Mr. Kenneth Fin- 
lay sang "The Maple 
Leaf." 

Warden McKellar, 
of Elgin, expressed his 
pleasvire at being pres- 
ent and at seeing the 
city so handsomely dec- 
orated but the hour 
being so late, asked to 
be excused from mak- 
ing a speech. 

Mr. W. B. ElHson, of New York, a St. Thomas boy who has 
for 23 years lived under the starry banner, had not forgotten the 
old Talbot Settlement, and was "a regular yearly visitor to St. 
Thomas. There were no people who felt more kindly towards 
Canada than the people of the State of New York. They be- 
lieved that Canada was the brightest star of the British Empire. 
The American people believed that if through age the control of 
the Empire passed from the Mother Country it would be taken up 
by her daughter Canada, who w^ould bear the w-hite man's bur- 
den. In concluding he expressed the hope that the United States 




J. H, Coyne, LL. D., F.R.S.C. 
ist President of Elgin Historical and Sc, Inst., 



20 



The Talboi Seitlemcjit 



and Canada would go on hand in hand together peacefully, 
working for the welfare of the world. 

Mayor Caron, of Aylmer also made a happy reply in response 
to the toast, disputingMayorMaxwell's statement that St. Thom- 
as was the first to lead in municipal ownership. He claimed that 
honor for Avlmer. 

A. B. Ingram, M.P., and F.G. Macdiarmid, M. P. P., briefly 
and appropriately responded, the latter as a native of Aldboro' as 

was his father before him. 
Auld Lang Syne was sung 
about two a. m. 

During the reception and 
dinner the Misses Risdon ren- 
dered a choice programme of 
instrumental music which 
was thoroughly enjoyed, and 
added materially to the pleas- 
ure of the occasion. 

Among those present 
were a newly wedded couple 
from Springfield, who w^ere in 
the city during the entire 
celebration by way of a bridal 
tour, a happy idea that would 
have delighted the old man 
whose memory was honored. 
The singing of Kenneth 
Finlay was greatly enjoyed. 
F G. MacDiarmid, M p p ^^ was in fine voice and ren- 

dered "The Maple Leaf" in 
splendid style. Henry Roe's recitation also was appropriate and 
well given. 

To quote again the writer whose words were given at the 
outset : 

The speeches as a whole were excellent. The fine presence 
of Sir John Carling graced the table, the quaint humor of Jabel 
Robinson, M. P., was appreciated, Mr. J. H. Coyne's address was 
apt and illuminating, the earnestness of Rev. J. A. Macdonald 
w^as contagious, W. B. Ellison, of New York, was inspi'-ing. Mayor 
Maxwell was patriotic. Mayor Caron, of Aylmer, was historical, 
while the M.P.'s and later speakers were commendably brief, 
the genial chairman beaming over all in a benign manner. 




Centennial Celebration 2 J 

Empire or Educational Day 

FRIDAY. MAY 22nd 



To-day was Educational or Empire Day, marked in the 
morning by the raising of the national flag with fitting patriotic 
exercises at two of the public schools and the separate school ; 
the formal opening by Hon. Richard Harcourt, Minister of 
Education, of the splendid new Collegiate Institute building, one 
of the finest in the Province ; patriotic concerts by the school 
children afternoon and evening. In the ' afternoon Mr. Har- 
court delivered an interesting and inspiring address upon practic- 
al phases of the educational question. A feature of the evening 
concert was the presentation of medals to the Port Stanley life- 
saving crew forthe rescue of six sailors from the American schoon- 
er Mineral State. 

THE FLAG RAISINGS 

The flag-raisings were interesting ceremonies, attended 
by the Board of Education, Separate School Board, local clergy- 
men of all denominations, the school children and a great com- 
pany of parents and citizens. The Band of the 25th Regiment 
furnished music. The first raising was at the separate school 
whence the company proceeded to the Balaclava Street School, 
and later to the Wellington Street School. The two latter rank 
easily amongst the handsomest public schools of the province. 
Each is surrounded by spacious, well-kept lawns and rows of 
beautiful maples. At each school addresses were delivered by 
members of the Board of Education, Mayor Maxwell and the local 
clergy, Protestant and Catholic, and patriotic choruses were 
given splendid renderings by the children. The Collegiate In- 
stitute opening ceremony in the afternoon was prefaced by an 
exhibition drill by the cadet corps. They are a splendid-looking 
company of 60 boys, in a handsome uniform of blue and silver, 
commanded by Capt. M. H. Baker, Lieut. Gordon Macpherson. 
Lieut. F. Marlatt. Their manoeuvres reflected great credit 
upon the instructor, Capt. Jones. The school and grounds were 
tastefully decorated, and the proceedings took place on the lawn 
in front of the school. Chairman Doggett of the Board of Edu- 
cation presided. 



2? The lalbot Scitloueiif 



MR, HARCOURT'S SPEECH 

Hon. Mr. Harcourt said it was impossible for him to speak at 
any length out of doors, and that fact necessitated cvirtailment of 
the address he had prepared to an indication of its salient feat- 
ures. He extended his warmest thanks to the committee for 
remembering him, and extending him an invitation to be pre- 
sent on so important an occasion. The celebration of the in- 
auguration -of settlement in the district, he said, could not have 
been better rounded out than by a red-letter day for the schools 
of St, Thomas, for the city could not prosper unless its schools 
and churches prospered. His visit occasioned him pleasant recol- 
lections of two former Principals of the school. Rev. Dr. Somer- 
ville of Owen Sound, who had become a prominent man in his 
church and a useful citizen, and of Mr. John Millar, Deputy Min- 
ister of Education, than whom no Minister ever had a more loyal 
or more capable executive officer. Mr. Harcourt referred to the 
magnificent school buildings of the city, which, he said, were a 
credit not only to St. Thomas, -but to the whole of Western On- 
tario. The new collegiate institute was a model of its class. It 
ranked among the first half dozen collegiates in the Province. 
He had been greatly pleased to see the cadet corps, 60 strong, and 
hoped that every one of them would some day become Captains 
in the King's militia. Agassiz, the great scientist, had said his 
ideal was a man with the soul of a sage and the body of an ath- 
lete. Mr. Harcourt told the parents that they could assist the 
teachers by giving the boys and girls well-selected books to read. 
He did not suggest that a boy should read many books, but every 
boy and girl should have a few good books within reach. He 
was hoping for the time when in every school in the Province 
there would be a library of well-selected books. Example was 
the greatest educational force known, and in Principal Quance 
the boys and girls of this city had befoi'e them a brilliant example 
of the success in obtaining an education in the face of great diffi- 
culties. Mr. Harcourt complimented the collegiate institute 
•upon the success attained in its commercial course, and com- 
mented upon the tendency of secondary education towards prac- 
tical ends. 

Other speakers were Mr. D. K. Mackenzie, Mayor Maxwell, 
Rev. Father Stanley, Mr. James H. Coyne and Rev. Canon Hill. 
A hearty voice of thanks was passed to the Minister of Education. 

The Children's Concerts, afternoon and evening, were 
laxgelv attended, and highly interesting programmes of patriotic 
songs, choruses and dances were very effectivelv rendered. Thev 



Centennial Celebration 23 

were planned by Principal and Inspector Dr. Silcox; the choruses 
were under the direction of Prof. J. H. Jones, and the dances un- 
der the direction of Miss Moore, Mrs. Butler and Principal Urie. 

PRESENTATION OF MEDALS 

The medals presented in the evening to the crew of the Port 
Stanley lifeboat were of gold, and were the gift of the President 
of the United States. The inscription stated that they were 
presented for heroism in saving the captain and crew of the 
American schooner Mineral State, wrecked on Lake Erie, Octo- 
ber 30, 1902. The crew were: Captain J. Reginald Moore, Wm. 
Hough, Thomas Hough, Fred. Pollock, Frank Eveland, Alonzo 
Taylor and Flenry Cherry. Captain Moore and Captain Alex. Brown 
of the tug Gordon Brown, which, on the occasion in question, 
gave substantial assistance in manning the life-boat, were each 
presented with a handsome gold watch and chain bearing an in- 
scription similar to that on the medals. The presentation was 
made by the United States Consul, Col. Burke, and Mrs. Dr. Wil- 
son pinned on the medals. Rev. J. H. Courtney replied for the 
crew, and commented strongly on the smallness of the pay they 
received, $21 a year each, and upon the rotten condition of their 
lifeboat, which is twenty years old. 

SEPARATE SCHOOL 

The band assembled at the City Hall and played "The Maple 
Leaf." Mr. James Egan, secretary of the Separate School 
Board, gave an appropriate address referring to the flag that was 
to be raised, and said he hoped the flag would long wave over us. 

Mayor Maxw^ell spoke in complimentary terms of the work 
of the school, and said his sympathy was strongly with them 
to-day. He was sure all were pleased to be taking part in the 
celebration of the centennial of this settlement. He impressed up- 
on the children the progress and advancement. He urged en- 
thusiasm for school, empire and everything that was noble and 
good. He was pleased to think that the flag was likely to wave 
over a beautiful new school. It was a palace to what they had 
fifty vears ago, and they should be proud of it. But this was an 
age of progress, and we must keep up with the age. 

D. J. Donahue, K.C., addressed the children in his usual 
happy vein. He was pleased to see the zeal and ambition of the 
Separate School Board in the hoisting of the national flag. It 
was their anxiety to be ahead of the others that caused them 
to get a pole not exactly straight. We were all able to unite and 
agree on our flag. Why should it not be so? Had not the 
blood of Scotch, English and Irish been shed to sustain that 
flag? We were one in every respect in raising this flag and pay- 



24 The Talbot Settlement 

ing respect to it. The speaker said one of the greatest reasons 
for respecting it was because it guaranteed to us the greatest lib- 
erty of speech and freedom of conscience. He trusted it would 
be ever respected and venerated by posterity. 

Fred. Doggett, chairman of the Board of Education, ex- 
pressed his pleasure at being present. This was a gathering in 
which all could take part and meet on a common ground. The 
flag thev were about to raise today was the flag that the peace and 
protection of the whole world largely depended upon. As chair- 
man of the Board of Education, he invited all to follow them to 
the subsequent flag raisings and the dedication of the Collegiate 
Institute. 

Col. Burke, U. S. Consul, addressed the large gathering, say- 
ing that after the Stars and Stripes, the first flag in the world he 
would take ofif his hat to was the British flag. It was the symbol 
of defence of the defenceless, and maintained equal justice to all. 
Every boy and girl should venerate the flag. If the flag of their 
country was insulted, their first duty was to protect the honor of 
the flag. This should be a day of inspiration to the pupils of the 
Separate school. If they honored their flag they would be a cred- 
it not only to their community, but to their country. Canada 
was destined to be one of the greatest nations on the face of the 
globe. The speaker did not think Canada would ever be an- 
nexed to the United States. The two nations should stand as sis- 
ters side by side, and form a powerful combination between the 
Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack. 

Rev. Father Stanley was warmly received. He considered 
it an honor to give the signal for having the first flag raised over a 
school in St. Thomas. He trusted the children would long re- 
member the occasion. He urged parents not to underestimate 
what the schools were doing for the education and welfare of 
their little ones. He asked the band to play "The Star-Spangled 
Banner," in honor of the United States and Col. Burke, to be fol- 
lowed by the raising of the flag by four Separate school pupils 
amidst cheers and the singing of "God Save the King." 

Roy Power, Edward Graney, Joseph Burns and Frank 
O'Brien were the boys chosen to raise the flag. 

BALACLAVA STREET SCHOOL 

The fine building in the east end was handsomely decorated 
with streamers strung from the central pinnacle of the school to 
the trees lining the sidewalks. An ample platform, nicely draped 
with flags and bunting, and laden with vases of lilacs, and pots of 
ferns, made a comfortable and pretty vantage point from which 
the speakers addressed the large crowd of spectators and school 



Centemiial Celebration 25 

children. The window sills of the whole front of the school were 
laden with flowers and foliage, presenting a most attractive ap- 
pearance. 

Principal Kerr of the school. Principal McCutcheon, of Myr- 
tle street school. Rev. Mr. Graham, Rev. Mr. Reede, Father 
Stanley, Lt. Col. McLachlin.Fred. Doggett, chairman of the Board 
of Education, Mayor Maxwell, Ex-Mayor Chant, and a number of 
others, occupied chairs on the platform. 

Proceedings were opened by a chorus "The Maple Leaf," by 
the girls of Balaclava street school, massed in front of the plat- 
form, and they sang very sweetly and creditably, in perfect uni- 
son. 

Rev. Mr. Graham then led in a brief prayer. 

Chairman Doggett congratulated the teachers and children 
of the school upon the handsome decorations. He urged the 
scholars to strive to attain the maximum marks in the coming 
examinations. 

An essay entitled "The story of the flag," was read in a clear 
and correct manner by Master Andrew Taylor. 

This was followed by a chorus by the pupils, "The Union 
Jack of Old England," led by Httle Miss Pauline Hall, and Master 
Sidney Gilbert. 

Mayor Maxwell addressed the children, and the large gather- 
ing, in a speech eulogistic of the flag, and the deeds of valor achie- 
ved beneath its folds in the past. He referred to the late Queen 
Victoria and the present beloved sovereign. The mayor praised 
the decorations and the evidences of patriotism on all sides. 

Miss Ethel Seburn followed with a recitation, "The Union 
Jack," which was delivered in excellent style. 

Rev. Father Stanley spoke to the assemblage briefly but in a 
most interesting strain. His words were full of burning patriot- 
ism, and full of warm approval of the unity and harmony which 
exists among all classes of the city. His remarks were warmly 
received. 

A chorus, "Red, White and Blue," followed in good style. 

As the band played the National Anthem, the flag was raised 
by Miss Pauline Hall and Master Sidney Gilbert. As the banner 
fluttered to the masthead the boys of the school marched past, 
saluted the flag, and performed manoeuvres under Capt. Atkin- 
son to the music of the 25th band. 

WELLINGTON STREET SCHOOL 

At Wellington street school the children were all waiting 
seated in rows on the lawn opposite the platform which had been 
erected, and which was prettily draped with bunting and adorned 



26 



The Talbot Scttlcinciif 



with evergreens. On the arrival of the speakers, the band, the 
children and manv from the large gathering at Balaclava street 
school, Mayor Maxwell, chairman, Fred. Doggett, and ReA\ 
Father Stanley, took seats on the platform 

The school was handsomely decorated, and the ample 
grounds were well crowded with spectators. Among those on the 
platform were Rev. Canon Hill, Rev. D. R. Drummond, and Rev. 
Dr. Young. Mr. Doggett addressed the children, and after a few 
patriotic remarks, announced to the children that they were to 
have a holiday on Monday, which remark was more heartily ap- 
preciated (by the children) than any other. The speaker's com- 




Wellington Street School 

plimentary references to the handsome school were also warmly 
applauded. 

Under the leadership of Principal Urie, the scholars sang in 
chorus, "The Union Jack of Old England," with a great deal of 
vim. 

Mayor Maxwell took for his subject on which to address the 
children, "Our city." The speaker proceeded in a glowing eulo- 
gy of the city, and described to the children the conditions out of 
which a city has arisen in the past century. He impressed up- 
on the scholars the value of education, and referred to the fact 



Ccntciiiiial Celebration 21 

that his early education had been received in the Wellington 
street school, and that he had also taught in the same school. 

The singing of the "The Maple Leaf Forever," led by the 
band, was well rendered by the children at the conclusion of the 
mayor's remarks. 

Rev. D. R. Drummond addressed the children on "Our Do- 
minion." He began by relating a story which illustrated the 
task he had before him to speak on such a subject in a space of five 
minutes. He urged upon the youth of our land to keep in view 
the wonderful possibilities of Canada. He impressed upon them 
the fact that life is but what we make it ourselves, no matter of 
what it is made, and the Dominion would be what we made it. 

"The Land of the Maple," was sung in chorus by the pupils. 

Rev. Dr. Young's subject was "Our Empire," and he 
brought vividly before his youthful audience the wonderful forces 
which move the life of this twentieth oentury. He referred to 
the growth of the Empire under Queen Victoria's reign. Five 
continents contributed to the resources of the British Empire. 
Great territory and resources did not constitute an Empire. It 
was the flag, and that which the flag represented. Wherever 
there was a loyal submission to the British flag, there was the 
British Empire. 

Rev. Canon Hill spoke on "Our Flag." It was the Union 
jack of England, Ireland and Scotland and all Britain's colonial 
possessions. The speaker described in a clear way the reason why 
the British flag is formed in the ensign which is so familiar to 
British subjects the world over. It speaks of the three great nat- 
ions now united in one great empire — the grandest the world has 
ever seen. His address was fervently patriotic throughout, 
and illustrated how the British flag had fostered and protected 
the Christian religion. •. 

Rev. Father Stanley addressed the children, and said that he 
would be brief, as no doubt all would be hungry. He congratu- 
lated the staff of Wellington street school for their decoration; 
and he warmly commended the Board of Education for the in- 
terest it takes in the education of the youth. 

With but simple ceremony the raising of the beautiful flag 
was accomplished, and as it reached the mast-head, the breeze 
caught its folds and it waved in royal style. 

THE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE 

Probably no one in the city deserves greater praise for the 
umoant and artistic beauty of decoration work done than Capt. 
Jones, of the Collegiate Institute. The handsome new building 
was beiutifullv adorned inside and out. 



TJie Talbot Setilenient 



The formal opening of the new Collegiate Institute by the 
Hon. Richard Harcourt, Minister of Education for the Province 
of Ontario, in the afternoon of May 22nd was one of the most aus- 
picious events of the Centennial Celebration, and one long to be 
remembered by the parents, students and teachers of the city. 
All of these were out in strong force, and the handsomely decorat- 
ed building and well-kept grounds presented a pretty appearance 
by the presence of so many of the city's youth, beauty and brains, 
besides hundreds of persons who were in the city for Centennial. 
On the lawn to the west of the new structure the cadet corps, 
under the command of Instructor Jones and Capt. Mason Baker, 

were put through the various mili- 
tary movements. The 25th Regi- 
ment Band was present and furnished 
excellent music. 

In front of the building was erec- 
ted a platform covered with an awn- 
ing of red, white and blue, and on this 
were seated, besides Fred. Doggett, 
chairman of the Board of Education, 
who acted as chairman, the following: 
— Rev. Father Stanley, Frank Ben- 
nett J. E. Eraser, A. W. Graham 
R. T. Hankinson, W. Meek, His 
Honor Judge Hughes, D. K. McKen- 
zie, S. Silcox, F. W. Wright, S. Dub- 
ber. Mayor C. F. Maxwell, J. H. 
Coyne, J. A. Kilpatrick, Rev. Canon 
Hill and others. 

The chairman in a few well-chos- 
en remarks, concerning the new 
school, called on S. B. Pocock, who 
read letters, expressing their regret at 
being unable to be present, from J. Millar, Deputy Minister of 
Education; E. H. MiUington, M.C.R. superintendent of tele- 
graphs, Detroit; Mr. Seath, inspector of High Schools; W. 
Packenham, principal School of Science, Toronto; N.f W. 
Ford, Toronto; R. W. Johnson, Boston; Thos. Leitch, Hamil- 
ton; J. E. Hodgson, High School inspector, Toronto; and C. A. 
Brower, M.P.P., East Elgin. 

S. Silcox, Paed. D., principal of public schools, was the first 
speaker. He congratulated the city on the fineness of the build- 
ing, and added that he was pleased to know the equipment and 
staff would be of the same quality. High School work was im- 
proving. This improA-ement started in the University, was now 




C A. Brower, M.P.P 



Ceiiteniiial Celebraitoii 29 

going on in the High Schools, and would soon extend to the pub- 
lic schools. It was just as important in the latter as in the High 
Schools. 

D. K McKenzie followed in a speech which dealt prin- 
cipally with the development of higher education in St. Thomas, 
the chief town of the Talbot Settlement. In 1824, said Mr. 
McKenzie, the late Col. Burwell presented the then village with a 
strip of land where Judge Ermatinger's residence is now located, 
and on this was erected a frame building which was called the 
"Seminary," and was used for many years as a public school and 
afterwards as a Grammar School. A Mr. Randell was the first 
teacher, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Mcintosh. The Classic- 
al School, the predecessor of our Collegiate Institute, was opened 
about 1847, t>y John Walker, who died here a few years ago, and 
two or three years afterwards he was succeeded bv a Mr. Thomp- 
son. In 1854 this school w^as recognized as the County Grammar 
School and the Rev. John Fraser took charge. He was followed 
by Rev. N. Burns, Mr. Younghusband, Mr. Keeferand Rev. John 
McClure, who retired in 1870. In 1865 the Public and High 
School boards were united and the old frame High School building 
removed to the west side of the Wellington street school, which 
then consisted of only four rooms. In 1870 J. Somerville, M.A., 
now Dr. Somerville, of Owen vSound, was appointed High School 
teacher and Public School principal. He was followed by Rev. 
G. Grant, B.A., now P.S.I, of Parry Sound. In 1872 John Millar, 
B.x\., now Deputy Minister of Education, was appointed to the 
dual position, which he held until elevated to his present office. 
During Mr. Millar's regime the old Collegiate Institute had been 
erected and the school raised to the status of a Collegiate In- 
stitute. On Mr. Millar's departure the offices were separated 
and the late Mr. Shepherd, appointed. Upon his death the pre- 
sent efficient principal, N. Ouance, B.A., was appointed. Under 
his management the school had so grown that increased accom- 
modation was necessary, and the result is the handsome and com- 
modious building just opened. 

Mr. McKenzie then dealt with the growth of the school, since 
1869. In that year the registered attendance was 18 and the 
average 9, while last year's fall term the registered had been 349 
and the average 315. At present there were on the roll 320. 
One teacher did the work in 1869, and now ten teachers and a 
drill master are employed. Seven of the teachers are specialists 
in their departments. The expenditure had grown from $892 in 
1869 to $1 1 ,500 last year. 

The various positions of honor held in Canada, United 
States, Europe, Australia and Africa by ex-students of the Col- 



30 The Talboi Scttlonciii 

legiate was taken up, and Mr. McKenzie said St. Thomas had no 
need to be ashamed of the alumni of the Collegiate Institute. 
Such results could not have been attained, said the speaker, un- 
less the city possessed good public schools, a department that the 
board had always paid particular attention to. When Mr. Mc- 
Kenzie became a member of the board in 1869 there was only one 
four-roomed public school, and the total running expenses that 
year were $2,420, today there were five school buildings, with 41 
teachers, and the cost to run them amounted to $29,500. The 
total number of teachers and other officials on the pay roll of the 
board for both Collegiate Institute and public schools is 59. The 
total value of the school buildings and grounds controlled by the 
Board of Education is about $160,000. In conclusion, Mr. Mc- 
Kenzie congratulated St. Thomas on having the handsomest and 
best equipped schools of any city of its size in the province, and 
trusted that their sons and daughters will in the future as in the 
past, go out to do their parts as Empire builders in this great Do- 
minion. 

During the progress of Mr. McKenzie 's address, Hon. Mr. 
Harcourt arrived, and was received with cheers. 

Mayor Maxwell's speech was brief and to the point. He ex- 
pressed his pleasure at being present, and contrasted the schools 
of the past and the present times. Although he could not despise 
the work of our early schools, still the history of the development 
of the school was the history of the development of the people. 
The mayor also referred to the laudatory terms used by Lord 
Dundonald and Lord and Lady Minto towards the cadet corps, 
and he urged the young boys to join the ranks at the first oppor- 
tunity. 

Rev. Father Stanley, in a well-worded address, expressed his 
pleasure at being present, and said a few words in praise of the 
new school. He said he conveyed an expression of the hearty 
sympathv and co-operation of the Separate School Board, to the 
Board of Education, in their efforts to embellish the minds of the 
youth of the country. He also congratulated the school board 
on their magnificent public school buildings. 

The chairman then introduced the Hon. Mr. Harcourt, who 
was received with cheers. (His speech has been alread 
summarized.) 



Ceuicimial C \'lcbra{ion 



V 



In his closing remarks, Mr. Harcourt referred to the mag- 
nificently decorated streets, and he rejoiced with the citizens in 
their progress during the past, which he felt assured would con- 
tinue in the future if educational matters were properly looked 
after. 

Rev. Canon Hill, an old schoolmate of Mr. Harcourt, moA'ed 
a vote of thanks to him. This was seconded by J. H. Coyne, who 
graduated from Varsity with Mr. Harcourt. 

The minister thanked his hearers for their kindness and then 
formally announced the new building open. 

The band played the National Anthem, and the crowd dis- 
persed. 

PRESENTATION OF MEDALS 

The presentation of testimonials at the Granite Rink in the 
evening to the Port Stanley life savers, who rescued the crew of 
the wrecked schooner Mineral State, on Oct. 30th last, was a 
pleasing feature of the Empire Day festivities in connection with 
the Centennial. 

Dr. J. H. Wilson, ex- 
M. P., explained to the 
immense crowd present, the 
reasons why the President of 
the United vStates had taken 
action to reward the services 
of the men. 

He was followed bv Col. 
M. Burke, U. S. Consul, who 
said the occasion was the sec 
ond during his incumbency of 
office here, that testimonials 
had been presented to the 
Port Stanley life-saving crew. 
The first occasion was for 
saving the crew of the 
schooner, Greton, which foun- 
dered off Port Stanley on 
Nov. 11,1897, s-^'i the crew, 
after being at the mercy of 
Lake Erie for eight hours, 
were rescued. President 

McKinley had been apprised 
of the facts by Col. Burke, 
and the members of the life-saving crew were given testimon- 
ials. One of the old crew was a member of the present 
crew, and would therefore possess two testimonials from 




Dr. J. H. Wilson, exM.P P. [now Senator] 



32 The Talbot Scitlemcut 

the United States Government. On Oct. 30, 1902, the 
schooner, "Mineral State," laden with 620 tons of coal from 
Cleveland for London, was wrecked off Port Stanley, and the 
crew owing to the treacherous condition of the water, were 
unable to reach land. When about to sink the captain cut her 
anchor and let her drift, but she went to the bottom about 100 
rods from the shore. The crew took to the rigging, where they 
remained from 10.30a.m. until 6.30 p. m., at which time the life- 
boat, manned by the life-saving crew and in tow of the tug Gor- 
don Brown managed to reach the almost exhausted crew, and 
after an hour's struggle the sailors were brought safely to shore. 

Col. Burke paid a glowing tribute to the valor and bravery of 
Canadians, as displayed by the life-saving as well as by the Cana- 
dian heroes who fought in South Africa. The Colonel announced 
that the testimonials would be presented by a daughter of Port 
Stanley, Mrs. (Dr.) J. H. Wilson. 

Mrs. Wilson then presented Capt. Alex. Brown, of the Gor- 
don Brown and Coxswain J. Reginald Moore, of the life-saving 
crew, with gold watches and chains, and William Hough, Frank 
Eveland, Alonzo Taylor, Fred Pollock, Thos. Hough, and Henry 
Cherry, with medals. 

Mrs. Wilson was the recipient of a handsome bouquet at the 
hands of the life-savers, after an interval. The bouquet had been 
ordered early and was delivered, but became lost in the crowd for 
a time, to the great chagrin of the men. Finally it was found and 
presented amid loud cheering. 

The men were then congratulated bv those on the platform. 

Speeches, befitting the occasion, were then delivered by Dr. 
Wilson, Rev. J. H. Courteney, Port Stanley, and Mayor Maxwell. 

William Hough replied for the members of the crew, express- 
ing their gratitude to the U. S. Government for their testimonials. 

The inscription on the watch presented to Capt. Brown is as 
follows: "From the President of the United States, to Capt. 
Alex. Brown, of the tug, Gordon Brown, Port Stanley, Ontario, 
in recognition of his humane service in effecting the rescue of the 
captain and crew of the United States schooner, "Mineral State," 
wrecked oft" Port Stanley on October 30, 1902." 

On the face of the watch is the American coat of arms. 

The inscription on the watch presented to Mr. Moore is the 
same, with the name changed. 

The badges received by Frank Eveland, Alonzo Taylor, 
Fred Pollock, Thomas Hough, Wm. Hough and Henry Cherry- 
bear the head of the Goddess of Liberty on the face, and on the 
back the following inscription is engraved: — "Presented by the 
President of the United States in recognition of humane service 



Ceutouiial Celebration 33 

in effecting the rescue of the captain and crew of the United 
States schooner, "Mineral State,' wrecked off" Port Stanley on 
Oct. 30, 1902." 

The badges are suspended from a pendant bearing the words 
"E Pluribus Unum." 

Both medals and watches are of 14 karat solid gold. 



34 



The Jalbot Sctiloiicnt 




Ccufcuiiial Cclcbraiioii 



.i.D 



Pi, 



Di 



loneer L>ay 

SATURDAY, MAY 23rd 

The Pioneer Precession of Saturday, 23rd May, was one of 
the chief features of the Celebration. It was designed, as far as 
possible, to link the past with the present in a living chain. 

The weather was perfect and the crowd in the city enormous. 

Shortly after 10 o'clock the procession moved from St. An- 
drew's market eastward headed by Frank Hunt, Esq., J. P in 
pioneer costume, trousers tucked in boot^^ -.n,i an antiquated 




Pioneer Procession— hidian Women one, Katie Cornelius, 104 years old) on sleds 

fowhng piece slung over his shoulder, riding a nagyclept "Prin- 
cess Malahide." Mr. Hunt had done yeoman service in organiz- 
ing this parade, as well as at the "raising" of the Log Cabin on 
Metcalf Street and was fullv entitled to the distinction of leading 
the procession. Behind him marched the Oneida Indian Brass 



36 



The Talbot Settleuieiit 




Centennial Celebratic n 



.■) / 




Pioneer Procession— Col. Talbot (N. W. Moore) and staff 



3S 



Tlic Talbof Sctllcmciil 



Band. Then came a detachment of the earhest pioneers — Indi- 
ans from the Thames river reserve, in all the panoply of war paint 
and feathers. Two primitive Indian sleds drawn by Indian 
ponies, each bore an aged Indian woman — one of whom, 
Katie Cornelius, was 104 years old and strong enough to have cut 
all her last winter's firewood A boy papoose bestrode one of the 
ponies. Two ox teams followed next in historical order, one 
driving a truck wagon, the other an ox cart, both driven by white 
men. This formed the first section of the parade which went 
some I 5 minutes in advance of the next, to allow for the slow pro- 
gress of the oxen. 

The next section was headed by Mr. N. W. Moore, approp- 
riately costumed to represent Colonel Talbot, in blue, high 
collared swallow tail with brass buttons, flowered and gilt thread- 




Pioaeer Procession - Floral Section - Bridal Carriage 

ed waistcoat, white hat, nankeen breeches, booted and spurred 
and astride a handsome chestnut horse. In his party rode as 
aides Captain Fisher of Glanworth in cavalry uniform and Quar- 
ter Master Caughell, while Miss Fitzgibbon, in long riding habit, 
rode her favorite mure, and Captain Atkinson in old fashioned 
costume, with Miss Cochrane on a pillion behind, represented be- 
comingly a couple travelling in the manner of the early days, 
Other horsemen and carriages of antiquated styles followed and 
seated in the latter were among others Daniel Drake, the oldest 
inhabitant of St. Thomas, born here, aged 84, Mr. Collins Handy, 



Coileiinia! C ^elcbralioii 



^9 



Highgate, 92, earliest mail carrier between St. Thomas and Mai- 
den, John Brown of Port Talbot, who came out from England 
with Colonel Talbot on one of his trips and was employed b\- 
him, Thomas Calcott, of St. Thomas aged 85, and George Kerr, 
of St. Thomas aged 86. 

It would be impossible to specify within reasonable space, all 
the interesting features and contrasts of the four sections into 
which the procession was divided. 

Bag-pipers and Scotch pioneers, bands, bluejackets from the 
Dominion Revenue Cutter Petrel, the heroic life-saving crew of 




Pioneer Procession— Close of the Century 

Port Stanley, city and railway fire brigades with early and mod- 
ern appliances, floral bedecked carriages, and many other ob- 
jects of interest, some humorous, some beautiful in appearance, 
followed in the long parade. 

A beautiful flower-decked white carriage, drawn by four milk 
white steeds, containing a youthful couple (Miss Alma Worth 
and Master R. Lionel Dunsmore) presented an interesting bridal 
spectacle, followed by a carriage full of small bridesmaids and 
pages — while an ancient "courting gig" presented the requisite 
historical contrast. 

Bicvclists, manv with decorated wheels, and headed by a 



40 The Talbot Settlement 

number of the ministers of the •city, followed by a succession of 
fin de siecle automobiles, brought to conclusion the "Progress 
of the Century," — the most extraordinary historical parade 
which the Talbot Settlement has ever witnessed or probably shall 
until the next Centenary. 

Dr. F. Guest, on a handsome mount, acted as Chief Marshal 
of the procession. 



Ceutciimal Cclcbralioii 



41 



Cairn Erected and Park Opened 

REPRESENTATIVES OF TOWNSHIPS IN TALBOT SETTLEMENT 
PLACE STONES IN POSITION. 



The afternoon festivities in connection with the Pioneer Day 
celebration of the Centennial were divided between several at- 
tractions. At Pinafore Park a large crowd assembled to witness 
the erection of a cairn representing the Talbot Settlement. 
Prior to leaving for the Park the representatives of the different 
townships were addressed at the City Hall by Mayor Maxwell, 
who welcomed them to the city. The following registered their 
names. 

Edward McKellar, war- 
den, Elgin County; E. H. 
Suffell, reeve, Vienna; C. 
E. Locke, councillor, Yar- 
mouth; J R. Gow, councillor, 
Dunwich ; W. Tolmie, reeve, 
Aldborough ; W. J. Lindsay, 
reeve, Malahide; J. W. Mat- 
thews, Malahide; C. C). Er- 
matinger, St. Thomas; J- S. 
Wooley, reeve. South Dor- 
chester; Geo. H. Shepherd, 
Yarmouth; William Grant, 
Bayham; Geo. A. Gilbert, 
Yarmouth; A. P. McDoug- 
ald, clerk, Ekfrid ; Frank 
Hunt, ex-reeve. South wold 
M. W. Fisher, Glanworth 
James H- Coyne, St. Thomas 
W. C. Caughell, clerk, Yar- 
mouth; Isaac Turrill, Yar- 
mouth; C. A. Chase, reeve, 
Yarmouth; A. A. McKillop, 
ex- Warden, of Dunwich; H.G. 
Mills, collector, Yarmouth; 
Charles M. Caughell, Col- 
M. Campbell, clerk, Southwold; H. Watson, 




Edward McKellar, 
Warden of Elgin 



Chester North ; 
clerk, Orford. 



42 



The 7 aloof ScitUuiciit 



Arriving at the park, and before proceeding with the erection 
of the rockery, Mayor Maxwell, in a neat speech, formally named 
the park "Pinafore," and declared it open. 

\vm The 2sth Regiment band then rendered "Rule Britanna', 
and "The Maple Leaf." 

Aid. Guest, chairman of the Pioneer Committee, then called 
on the representatives of the townships and the stones were 




Judge Ermatiiiger and Dr. Bartlett. Treasurer, placing Records and Coins in Cairn 
Contractor G. A. Ponsford in foreground 

placed in position on the raised mound in the order that the town- 
ships had been settled, as follows: Dunwich, Southwold, Yar- 
mouth, Malahide, Aldborough, Bayham, Dorchester, Westmin- 
ster, Orford, Howard, Harwich, Raleigh, Tilbury, Romney, Col- 
chester, Mersea, Gosfield, Rochester, Sandwich, Maidstone, Lon- 
don, Houghton, Middleton, Lobo, Caradoc, Ekfrid, Mosa and 
Zone. 

Surmounting all these stones was a large one bearing the in- 
scription, "Erected at the Centennial celebration of the Talbot 
Settlement, 1903." This was placed in position by Mayor Max- 
well, Warden McKellar, Judge Ermatinger and Jas. H. Coyne. 

Chairman Guest then called on the following for addresses: 
J. H. Coyne, first president Elgin Historical Society; J. R. Gow, 



Cciiiciniial Cclcbratioji 43 

reeve of Dunwich ; W. Pranglin, reeve of Southwold; Frank 
Hunt ; C. A. Chase, reeve of Yarmouth ; W. J. Lindsay, reeve of 
Malahide; Capt. Fisher, of Glanworth; J. Woollev, reeve of 
Dorchester; W. Tolmie, reeve of Aldborough ; Reeve Webster, 
of Orford; His Honor Judge Ermatinger; Finlav G. Macdiar- 
mid, M.P.P., West Elgin, and Aid. Chant. 

The band then played "God Save the King." 
The cairn or monument has since been made permanent 
and enduring, the stones, with other boulders, being embedded in 
a solid mound of concrete with a foundation three feet deep. 
Within has been enclosed a metal lined box containing copies of 
the official Programme of the Celebration, newspapers containing 
accounts of the Celebration, Canadian coins, etc. 

This small monument will be an object of increasing interest 
to each succeeding generation who shall "ask their fathers in time 
to come, saying, 'What mean ye by these stones?' " (Josh. 4-6) 
^and the answer will be that they are a memorial of the passing, 
not of the Jordan, but of the first century of the Talbot Settle- 
ment whose townships the stones tvpifv. 

MATCH AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW ATHLETIC GROUNDS 

At four o'clock Saturday afternoon Mayor Maxwell pro- 
nounced the new athletic grounds at the foot of East street open 
to the public, and then the lacrosse teams of St. Thomas and Lon- 
don faced each other in a battle for supremacy. The contest 
proved to be a very one-sided affair, as the score — 12 to o — 
would indicate. The St. Thomas boys lost because their com- 
bination work would not score goals for them, and they could not 
prevent the wearers of the gold and purple from tallying 

Ihnpirc — W. J. Young, Rodney. 

About 1 ,500 people w tnessed the game. 

OCTOGENARIAN LADIES' TEA 

A very interesting, though somewhat pathetic, sight was the 
tea given n the Granite Curling rink, on Saturday afternoon. 
Thirty-five old ladies accepted the invitation of the ladies of the 
Elgin Historical Society and seemingly enjoyed the splendid re- 
past that had been prepared for them. Some were so feeble as to 
Idc hardly able to walk; some walked with the aid of crutches, 
and some were taken to the rink in invalid chairs. They wore 
the old-fashioned hats, bonnets, shawls and gowns. One lady 
wore a shawl bought ten years before Queen Victoria was born. 
Mrs. Lvnch wore a dress that she purchased in a store at the bot- 
tom of Blackwood's hill sixty years ago. Among those present 
were; Mrs McPherson (nee Catharine McGugan), born in New 



44 'I' lie Talbot ScttUiiicjit 

Glasgow, Aldborough, now living in Wardsville ; 82 next Sep- 
tember. 

Mrs. Wm. Coyne (nee Christina Patterson), born near Eagle 
in 1822, i8th of May ; 81 years of age; now living in St. Thomas. 

Mrs. Samuel Burwell (nee Eliza. Crandall), born and still 
lives in Fingal; 72 vears of age; one of the earliest settlers of 
this county. 

Mrs. Wm. Martin (nee Nancy R. Duncombe), born in Middle- 
burg, Schoharie County, N. Y., April 10 th, 1819; 84 years of 
age. 

Mrs. Amariah Sutton (nee Jane Sharon), born on the Back 
Street, Elgin county, i8th May; age 83. 

Mrs. Wm. Otis Lynch (nee Jane Rogers), born in Longford, 
Ireland, now lives in Yarmouth, 3 miles from St. Thomas; 
age 84. This lady was a distinguished guest at the 
tea, owing to the fact that she wore a dress and yellow silk shawl 
which were bought by her mother before Queen Victoria was 
born. 

Mrs. John Mason (nee Isabella Wade), born in Putney, 4 
miles from London, Eng., now living in Port Stanley ; age 83. 

Mrs. Philip Green (nee Mary Sells), born on the Back Street, 
Elgin County ; age 82. 

Mrs. Henry Wilcox (nee Phoebe Smith), born in Talbot\'ille, 
lives in St. ThQmas, age 81. 

Mrs. David Parish (nee Louise Ferrin), born in Hamburg, 
9 miles from Buffalo; age 81. 

Mrs. John King (nee Elizabeth Teetzel), born in Southwold 
near Fingal ; age 82 , living in St. Thomas. 

Mrs. Nathaniel Vail (nee Mary Tuck), born in the State of 
Maine, brought up in St. John, New Brunswick; age 82'. 

Mrs. Thomas Higley (nee Francis Lane), born in Hamble- 
ton, Buckinghamshire ; now living in St. Thomas ; age 83. 

Ruth C. Nicholls, born in Digby, Nova Scotia, living in St. 
Thomas, "Bible Worker," Seventh Day Adventist ; age 83. 

Mrs. John Elliott (nee Margaret Reeve), born in Dumfries- 
shire, Scotland, now living in St. Thomas ; age 86. 

Mrs. Patrick Brady (nee Bridget Doyle), born in Ireland, 
County Meaford, home in St. Thomas, age 84. 

Mrs. John Heard (nee Susanna Grace Taylor) born in Brix- 
ham, near Torquay, England, in George III.'s reign, settled near 
Peterborough in 1833, came to St. Thomas 50 years ago, in 1853, 
and settled upon the lot on which she still lives on Scott street. 

Miss Anne Jones, born in Yarmouth, 3 mils from St. Thom- 
as, home now in city ; age 85. 

Mrs. Watson Parker (nee Rebecca Brown), born 20 miles 



Ccn Uiniial Celebration 



45 




46 Tlic Talbol Scfilcmciii 

from Amherst, Nova Scotia, lives in Union ; age 80. 

Mrs. Dr. Wallen (nee Sarah Coburn), born in Grimsby, drew 
land from Col. Talbot when 2 vears old, lives in Blenheim; age 
80. 

Mrs. John Sells (nee Maria Leonard), born in New York 
State, lives in Michigan at present; age 83. 

Mrs. H.P.Hopkins (nee Cynthia Anne Phillips) , born in Ohio, 
now in city ; age 84. 

Mrs. Horace Brotherhood (nee Jane Ross), born in Glen- 
garry, Upper Canada, now in city ; age 80. 

Mrs. Stafford (nee Elizabeth Wise), born in Argyleshire, 
Scotland, home here ; age 83. 

Mrs. Wallace, home now here; age near 80. 

Mrs. Lewis (nee Minnie Peters), born in Upper Canada, 20 
miles this side of Kingston; age 83, lives in St. Thomas. 

Mrs. Thos. Young (nee Anna Wilson) ; age 70. 

Mrs. Wm. Forsyth (nee Elspeth Hutchinson), born in Elgin, 
Scotland, lives in St. Thomas ; age 81 . 

Mrs. John Williams (nee Amv Best), born in Sotithwold, 
where she still lives ; age 82. 

Mrs.' Wm. Luton (nee Eliza Crane), born in Malahide, now 
lives in Mapleton; age 80. 

Mrs. W. Evelv (nee Grace Brevlev), born in Malahide; age 

87- 

Mrs. Jacob Deo (nee Marv Ann Cakes), born in New Sarum, 
where she still lives; age 86. 

Mrs. Geo. Mann (nee Melinda Millar), born in St. Thomas, 
still lives here ; age 81. 

Mrs. Wm. Dodson (nee Elizabeth Tweed), born n County 
Antrim, Ireland, lives in Talbotville at present; age 8g. 

Mrs. Andrew Millar (nee Mary Penhale), bcrn in Devon- 
shire, Eng., lives tw^o miles from St. Thomas; age 81. 

WELCOME TO OLD EOYS AND GIRLS 

The welcome to old bovs at Metcalfe street rink on Saturday 
night was attended by a large crowd. The 25th Regiment band 
played a capital program, and Dr. Guest presided over the gath- 
ering with excellent judgment. The entertainment varied from 
the band music to speeches of welcome by Mayor Maxwell and 
Dr. Guest, an eloquent response by Mr. W. B. Elliscn, of New- 
York, and an exhibition of trick bicycle riding by Champion Grant, 
of Toronto, who did some marvelous feats; from Indian war 
dance, corn dance, bear dance, social dance and snake dance, 
to an excellent speech by Chief Levi Doxtater, of the Oneida 
Reserve. Then the old-fashioned spinning wheels, operated by 



Coileiiiiia! C ^elebratioii 



4 



Mrs. St. Thomas Smith and Mrs. Payne were watched with in- 
terest, and Miss McLean worked the old hand loom, which was 
made by the late Abraham Waugh, of Shedden, from wood cut on 
his farm in South wold. The log cabin was a point of interest 
visited by many at 5 cents per head. Little Prepa Armstrong 
danced the Highland Fling to Piper Smith's bagpipe music and 
had to respond to an encore, and Squire Hunt told of pioneer ex- 
periences, when neighbors helped each other at barn raisings, 
husking bees, and apple parings; when there was very little 
money and the maeistrates had to be paid for marrying couples 

w^th $2 worth of syrup, 
ashes or beeswax. He 
told of a man named 
Brown, who was mar- 
ried by Colonel Burwell. 
The bridal couple went 
to the Col. seated on a 
single horse, were mar- 
ried, paid their bees- 
wax, mounted again 
and started for home. 
On the way the impat- 
ient Brown turned his 
head round to kiss his 
bride, was taken with 
a "crick" in the neck 
and never got it straight 
again. He was ever af- 
ter known as "Wry-Neck 
Brown" 
(Great laughter.) 

Mr. Ellison's speech 
held close attention as 
he told of the success 
of Canadian boys and 
Elgin county boys in 
the United States. They 
were in demand, particularly in banking circles, but wherever 
he had met them in different parts of the States they were 
an honor to their country. He was glad to return to the scenes 
of his boyhood, and said there was something wrong with a 
man who did not want to visit his old home. 

The Indians who danced were Kayenthoke, whose name in 
English is Abram K. Schuyler; Oyagawa (Anthony Day) ; Yoa- 
wanoudaka (William John) Shotojvapa (Peter Silver) ; Sogoya- 




Mrs St. Thomas Smith, 
Curator Elgin Historical and Sc. Inst. 



•/eV 



The Talbot Setiloncut 



quas, (a little boy whose English name was not secured,) Kwiter 
Karishamoron (Nicholas Nicholas) ; Showaton (Isaac Summers) 
Reni Keyaisarbele (Albert Chrisjohn) Skahronhatis (Daniel Nic- 
holas) ; and Tala, (William Doxtater). 

Chief Levi Doxtater made a speech abounding in good sense 
and good suggestions, a speech which would have done credit to 
any member of Parliament. He explained that the Indians who 
had taken part in the dances were good, prosperous farmers, and 
had dressed themse ves in the style of their forefathers of a hund- 
red 3'ears ago as a means of illustrating the progress that had been 
made. Anthony Day was over 70 years old, and was as active in 
his movements as a man of 40. He had seen Col. Talbot in per- 
son. He spoke of an old 
lady aged 104, who was in 
the day's procession, and 
another aged g6. The latter 
had cut her own wood and 
cooked her own food last win- 
ter and earned her living by 
making baskets. The Indians 
of 1 00 vears ago lived on fish 
and bear meat and corn bread 
Tlieir clothing was any- 
thing they could get to cover 
them. His (Mr. Doxtater's) 
grandfather had run all night 
carrving the mails. The 
speaker reviewed Indian his- 
tory and told of the confeder. 
ation of five tribes who had 
been at war, but had got to- 
gether and pledged themsel- 
ves to stand by each other in 
the interest of peace. David 
F. Hunt W. Williams was a farmer in 

Editor, Elgin Historical and Sc Institute, 1903 comfortable cirCUmStanCeS 

who lived in his own good brick house, and was respected by 
the business people of St. Thomas and London. Mr. Doxtater 
thought the Indians were doing'well considering their opportuni- 
ties, and he hoped the time would soon come when they would 
be considered worthy to be enfranchised and take their place 
alongside the white men — when they would not be set apart on 
reservations but be allowed to own their farms and have a 
voice in the government of the count rv. He thanked the 
Missionarv Society for the benefits of their schools, and for 




Cejitcnuial Celebration 79 

their exertions for the improvement of the Indians. 

The Chief's speech was Hstened to with eager interest and 
loud applause followed it 

Mayor Maxwell said a few commendator\- words and thanked 
Mr. Doxtater for his excellent address. 

Dr. Guest added a few words of appreciation and the enter- 
tainment closed with the National Anthem. 

There was great cheering when Frank Hunt escorted the 
aged Indian lady to the centre of the arena. 

Mrs. Payne proved herself to be an expert with the old- 
fashioned spinning wheel. 

His Honor D. J. Hughes, Senior Judge of Elgin, himself a 
resident of the settlement for some 67 years and of St. Thomas 
since fifty years ago, when he was appointed the first Judge of 
the County of Elgin, was invited to address the- assembled "Old 
Boys" upon this memorable occasion, but, being indisposed, did 
not appear. , His non-appearance was regrettable, as the occa- 
sion was appropriate, the attendance large and enthusiastic and 
the evening fine. 



nO The Talboi Settle jiiciii 



Centennial Sunday 



MAY 24th 

The loth Royal Grenadiers of Toronto and the 24th Kent 
Infantry of Chatham were the two visiting regiments, which, with 
the 25th Elgin Infantry and the Collegiate Institute Cadets, 
formed the Military Brigade at the Celebration. 

The Grenadiers arrived by two special trains at i and 1.30 
Sunday morning and at once went into the camp already pre- 
pared for them on the beautiful camp grounds at Pinafore Park. 

Services and sermons appropriate to the occasion were 
looked for at all the city churches and when the brigade (without 
the 24th which did not arrive from Chatham until the evening) 
marched into and up Wellington street, each corps headed by its 
fine bands — large congregations were already flocking to all the 
churches. 

PATRIOTIC SERMONS WERE PREACHED AND PATRIOTIC MUSIC 
SUNG TO LARGE CONGREGATIONS 

TRINITY CHURCH.— BISHOP BALDWIN. 

Large congregations attended the services in Trinity Church 
on Sunday when his Lordship Bishop Baldwin preached two very 
appropriate sermons. The morning service was attended by 
four companies and bugle band of the Royal Grenadiers, under 
command of Major Meyers, Adjutant C. N. Shanly, and about 
forty-five members of the Collegiate Institute cadet corps, in 
charge of Drill Instructor T. H. Jones. Adjutant George Stacey, 
of the local battalion, also accompanied the Grenadiers. The 
military bearing of both corps was splendid and flattering re- 
marks were heard on all sides. 

In the morning Bishop Baldwin referred to the many won- 
derful changes that had taken place in the Settlement since Col. 
Talbot felled the first tree. That these changes were advances 
along higher lines was wholly due to the fact that those who have 
gone before us were men and women who had the fear of God be- 
fore their eyes, were industrious sons and daughters of toil, and 
were loyal to their country and their God. 

Many of these old families had passed away since his first 
visit to this city, forty-three years ago, and among the most 
honored of those still living was David J. Hughes, who has been 
judge of Elgin County for fifty years, and whose noble face he was 



Ccntciuiial Celebrahon 51 

pleased to notice among his congregation. Speaking partic- 
ularly to the Grenadiers the Bishop said he felt theMeepest in- 
terest in them because they came from a city in which he spent 
his early days, and also because their honorary chaplain was his 
own brother. A real soldier, said the Bishop, is one who has 
overcome himself. 

In the evening His Lordship preached the annual sermon to 
the Sons of England, lodges Chester, No. i8, and Truro, No. 62, 
being both well represented. His Lordship preached an elo- 
quent discourse. 

Speaking directly to the Sons of England he said it gave him 
great pleasure to speak to a society which represented grand old 
England, and he wished to encourage them in their work of love 
and charity. England stands for liberty and all that is right and 
good. 

In concluding the Bishop said the world was not waiting for 
more wealth nor an increase of her forces, but was patiently 
awaiting the coming of the King, who will be the only Solver of 
this world's great problems. 

HOLY ANGELS.—FATHER STANLEY. 

At Holy Angels Church on Sunday chairs had to be placed in 
the aisles, so great was the attendance at both services. At high 
mass Rev. Father Stanley reviewed the history of the Catholic 
Church in the Talbot Settlement. He pointed out that when 
the Neutral tribe of Indians flourished here the first missionaries 
to attempt their evangelization were two Jesuit priests sent from 
Montreal in 1639, namelv, Fathers Breboeuf and Chaumonot. 
They traversed the Indian trail since known as Talbot street, 
from Brantford to Windsor, preaching as they went. The near- 
est village to St. Thomas they named "Our Lady of the Holy 
Angels," hence the name of this Church and parish. The Indian 
fort or village beyond Fingal they called "St. Alexis." The Neu- 
trals refused the gospel. Ten vears later they wxre destroyed by 
the Five Nations tribe of New York State. In 1670 two Sulpici- 
an priests, Dollier and Galinee, passing westward, wintered at 
Port Dover, where they set up a cross affixing thereto the arms of 
the King of France with an inscription claiming possession of the 
country by right of discovery, for Christianity and for France, 
halted a short time at Port Stanley, where they celebrated mass 
— rthe very first Christian worship in this whole region — and pro- 
ceeded along shore till Detroit River was reached They were 
accompanied by the famous explorer La Salle, the discoverer of 
the Ohio River. The next white man to skirt the Erie shore was 
Father Hennepin in 1679. His sketch of Niagara Falls is the 



52 The 'I albot Setilenient 

oldest in existence. In 1803 came the Talbot Settlement, and 
the gradual but gratifying growth of Catholicity therein. 

The procession to the Catholic cemetery at 3 p. m. was im- 
posing, the school children leading, headed by the 25th Regt. 
band, followed by fraternal and other societies and members of 
the congregation. On arriving there, hymns being sung, Rev. 
Father Stanley mounted the platform and led the multitude in 
prayer, ^11 kneeling on the green sward, after which he delivered 
a feeling address. In the evening he lectured on "Good Litera- 
ture," warning his hearers against the reading of the sensational, 
trashy, unchaste papers, novels and magazines now flooding the 
land. 

The music was under the able direction of Mr. W. P. Rey- 
nolds, of London, and was excellently rendered. 

KNOX CHURCH.^REV. D. R. DRUMMOND. 

Re\'. D. R. Drvimmond addressefl the ofiticers and men of the 
25th Regiment, 'as well as an immense congregation at the morn- 
ing service in Knox Church Sunday. The body of the church 
was entirely filled, the soldiers occupying the front seats. The 
gallery was also thrown open, and was filled. Mr. Drummond 
delivered an excellent discourse based upon Deut. 8,2; and the 
I st verse of the 12th chapter of Romans; dwelling also upon 
the words of Psalm 1-16: "The lines are fallen unto me in pleas- 
ant places; yea I have a goodly heritage." The speaker urged 
the duty of remembering the blessings of the past, and how 
much the present owes to the past. It was memory that made 
men. He emphasized the value of memory, to which all 
other faculties are subservient and on which thev are depen- 
dent. In passing, the speaker paid a warm tribute to the 
sterling qualities of the earlv pioneers, to whom the 
younger generations, were indebted for the advantages and in- 
stitutions of today, and for their own inherent qualities of worth. 
He briefly referred to the wonderful development of Canada dur- 
ing the past century, and the natural resources which have been 
developed. In paying a tribute to the military powers of Cana- 
da, Mr. Drummond said we had no desire to be known as a land 
of fighters, but did desire to be able and ready to fight whenever 
it became necessary. It was a Canadian boy upon whose breast 
was placed the first Victoria Cross. He was pleased that Knox 
Church had been chosen as the place of worship for the day of the 
soldier boys of our own city. He closed by urging them, if they 
wanted to render their country patriotic service, to cultivate 
their own manhood and the Christian virtues. 

A number of visiting Old Boys were present, one of whom, 
Wm. Mcllroy, occupied his old place in the choir. Lieut. 



Centennial Celebraiion 53 

spencer, of Simcoe, was also present in uniform among his former 
fellow officers. 

The choir sang very acceptably, Miss Lottie Scott taking the 
solo part in the anthem. Miss Scott also sang "Lead kindh- 
Light," and Mr. Kenneth Finlay sang very impressivelv, "The 
Holy City." The services throughout were most enjovable. 

' CENTRAL METHODIST.— REV. H. W. CREWS. 

The people of the Central Methodist Church had the interior 
of their place of worship handsomely decorated with flags and 
flowers Sunday and had the gratification of the presence of the 
Right half of the Royal Grenadiers Regiment of Toronto at the 
morning service. Col. Stimson also attended service there. The 
pastor, Rev. H. W. Crews, preached a thoughtful sermon, a re- 
trospect of the century — the progress from the ox-cart, the sickle 
and the flail, to the self-binder, the railroad and the automobile — 
from the log cabin, such as that on Metcalfe street, to the palatial 
residences of today. Had it not been for the sturdy pluck of the 
men and women who lived in the log cabins we would not have 
had the advantages and comforts we enjoy todav. He welcomed 
the visiting soldiers to the church and hoped their visit to the 
city would be pleasant. The musical service rendered by the 
choir, included the anthems "A Dream of Paradise," (Rodney) 
and ''Christian, the Morn Breaks Sweetly O'er Thee," (Shelley) 
with solos by Mrs. Dempster, Miss Hicks, Messrs. De Carteret and 
Ley, all well sung. Mrs. Dempster also sang the solo "Twc 
Angels" with violin obligato beautifully played by Miss Ger- 
trude Huntley. With a finely judged accompaniment by Mrs, 
Stacey, the ensemble was excellent and most pleasing. While 
the congregation was assembling Mrs. Stacey played "The Maple 
Leaf" and during the entrance of the soldiers gave DeKoven's 
setting of Kipling's "Recessional." The school room was 
thrown open and the building was completely filled. 

In the evening there w^as another large congregation and 
Mr, Crews preached a "prospective" sermon, outlining what he 
believed we might expect during the century to come. He be- 
lieves we will have much swifter means of transportation than 
the railroad speed of 60 or 70 miles an hour; that trolleys will 
radiate in all directions so that the congestion of the cities will be 
obviated by business men riding out to the suburbs to live ; that 
alcohol will be burned for fuel, which he hoped would be the case, 
for it would be better to burn it than drink it ; we will be better 
fed , and suffer less from dyspepsia ; bacteriologists would hunt 
out and destroy the deadly microbe ; the great discrepancy be 
tween the rich and poor will disappear; we will have more demo 



54 TIic Talboi Settlenieiii 

cratic ideas, and government of the people by the people for the 
people will come to pass ; he predicted municipal ownership of 
public utilities as the rule, and said bribery, which was due to in- 
difference, would be stamped out. Science, which had been 
made a means of beelouding Christianity, was now endorsing 
it and would do so more and more and more ; creed divisions 
would disappear men wculd try to save each other instead of 
seeking to damn each other. There would, he believed, be a 
reign of love, which would continually generate fresh impulses 
for good. 

FIRST METHODIST.— REV. DR. YOUNG. 

In the First Methodist Church Sunday night Rev. Dr. 
Young preached on "Monuments," from the text "what mean ye 
these stones?" from Joshua, 4, 6. After a reference to 
monuments in general Dr. Young spoke of the cairn erected at 
Pinafore Park and proceeded to describe the conditions which 
made possible the progress and advancement of the century. 
The Doctor attributed these to noble ambition with persistence, 
education and religion. He said, "if I had the forming of the pro- 
cession Saturday I would have had in it a representation of the 
old pioneer school teacher who taught for $10 a month and board- 
ed around. We are indebted to him more than we think. I 
would also have placed in the procession a representation of the 
old pioneer preacher with his saddle bags." 

During the service the choir sang Kipling's "Recessional" 
Mrs. Christmas doing the solo part ; Percv Newcombe rendered a 
solo, and Miss Winnie Graham and Mr. Walter Norsworthv gave 
a duet. 



Cciilciiiiial C 'clebralioii 



55 



Victoria Day 



MAY 25th 

MILITARY PARADE 

The marchout of the visiting regiments Monday morning 
was witnessed by thousands of people The brigade was to have 
been in charge of Lt.-Col. Peters. D.O.C. , No. i district but owing 
to his being taken suddenly ill on Sunday morning he could not 
come and Lt.-Col. McLachlin, commander of the 25th regiment, 
as senior officer, took command of the brigade. Major Mason, of 




Camp at I'li, 

the Grenadiers, acted as brigade major, and Capt. Teetzel, as 
orderly officer. The streets were packed with people all along 
the route of march and the brigade made a fine appearance. The 
Grenadiers with their black busbies, the neat looking 24th Kent, 
our own white helmeted 25th, clean and spruce and the soldierly 
cadets all marched well and looked well. The route of march 
was a long one and the visiting soldiers must have thought that 
St. Thomas was a city of magnificent distances. Before it was 



.56 



The Talbot Settlotient 



concluded some of the Grenadiers had to drop out and others 
were overcome at the armouries where the brigade drew up, after 
taking a rest, while the formal opening of the armoury was in pro- 
gress. 

THE OPENING OF THE ARMOURY 

The new armoury of the 25th regiment was formally opened, 
the proceedings commencing at 11 a. m. The visiting soldiers, 
with the 25th and Cadets, were drawn up in rear of the armoury, 
and there was also present a large number of citizens. 

The speaking took place from the balcony over the entrance. 




35th Regiment and Armouries 

Mavor Maxwell presided, and in opening the speechmaking 
said that now that the 25th regiment had such very comfortable 
and efficient quarters, the people cou d look to greater efficiency 
in the regiment even than in the past. He believed in encourag- 
ing the military sentiment. We had lived through a peaceful 
period and we should thank the Mother Country for her protec- 
tion. We had not had a large military establishment. He 
thought that a competent man should be kept in every district 
and well paid to keep the militia in an efficient state. When we 
required the military it was like the need of a physician — they 



Centennial Celebration . 



■1/ 



were required quick. The commander of every- military district 
should attend to military duties alone, so that all the militia 
would be well-trained and able to protect their own and the lives 
dependent upon them. The 25th has now a splendid lecture 
hall and armoury in which to prepare themselves. He welcomed 
the Grenadiers and 24th Kent regiment, and expressed the hope 
that better facilities would be afforded in the future to the militia 
of Canada. 

Mr. Jabel Robinson, M. P., said that the British soldiers had 
succeeded in giving us the greatest empire the world had ever 
seen. He was sure that they would do their duty, if called upon. 
We lived in times of peace, but we did not know how long there 
w^ould be peace and our young 
men should be drilled in the 
art of war. The principal 
thing was to learn to shoot 
and hit the target. He was 
proud to see the young men 
interested themselves in mili- 
tary matters. 

Col.Stimson, of the loth 
Roval Grenadiers, was receiv- 




ed with cheers. He hoped to 
be a soldier but said he was 
not much of a speaker. He 
thanked the citizens of St. 
Thomas and the committees 
for the kindness shown the 
Grenadiers. The best cat- 
erer they ever had and the 
best of weather had been 
provided. He thanked the a. b. Ingram, m. p. 

citizens again for their kind treatment. 

Mr. A. B. Ingram, M. P., expressed his pleasure in being pre- 
sent to take part in opening the grand armoury. He believed it 
would do much to perfect the 25th regiment. He had always 
taken an active interest in the Cadets, a corps of which the city 
was proud. In a few years the boys will take the place of the 
militia. The Cadet corps form the nucleus for the permanent 
military force of the country. Since the South African war the 
tactics of military warfare have changed. What we want now is 
men who can shoot, not, as in olden times, form a square and pre- 
pare for the charge of cavalry. He regretted that he had not a 
military training, so as to enable him to discuss the matter in 
military terms and as it should be discussed. He complimented . 



.5S The Talbot Seitleiucnt 

the officers and visiting soldiers on their conduct so far and hoped 
that nothing would occur to mar their visit and that they would 
return some day to pay us another visit. 

Lt.-Col. J. B. Rankin, of the 24th Kent regiment was re- 
ceived with cheers by his corps and others. He expressed the 
hope that the Talbot Settlement would continue to grow and 
prosper, so that at the next centennial this district would be 
many times as populous and prosperous as it was at the present 
time. He thought even with so many festivities that it would be 
wrong not to open the armoury. The Colonel closed his address 
with a well-told little story. 

Dr. J. H. Wilson, ex-M. P., said that Canadians were not only 
capable of developing this grand country but of providing for the 
army the best soldiers the world could produce. Thie militia of 
Canada were ever ready to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of 
their countrv. The Doctor also recommended that every soldier 
should learn to shoot, and referred to the South African war, 
when Canadians tumbled over each other to get enlisted in the 
service, and when they did get to South Africa they mac'e a re- 
cord in the field that opened the eyes of the world to Canada. 
Their capture of Cronje had virttially settled the war. He 
referred to the magnificent armoury now owned by the city, 
which he had fought industriously for. While it was needed to 
perfect the soldiers, he hoped the occasion would never arise 
when they would be called upon to sacrifice their lives in defence 
of their country. He paid a high compliment to the Collegiate 
Cadets and pointed out the benefit derived from the drill and in- 
struction received in the Cadet Corps. 
» 

Judge Ermatinger said that the soldiers wanted to get to 
their dinners. (Loud cheers from the soldiers.) He congratu- 
lated the three militia regiments and the Collegiate Cadets on 
their smart appearance. 

Lt.-Col. McLachlin, commanding officer of the 25th regi- 
ment, said that 100 years ago this district was opened by a sol- 
dier, and he thought it fitting that this building should be formal- 
ly opened at this time. He declared the building formally 
opened and asked all to come and inspect it. 

Col. Rankin proposed cheers for the 25th regiment and Ca- 
dets, and Mayor Maxwell three cheers for the Grenadiers and 
24th Kent, which were heartily given. 

Three cheers were given for the King, and then the crowd 
flocked in to inspect the armoury. 



Centciniial Celebration 

THE AFTERNOON PARADE. 



59 



At 2 p.m. the brigade assembled on the western part of the 
park, and with Col. McLachlin as chief officer, fired a feu dc joie. 
Then the troops marched past in open column and close column, 
the Grenadiers leading, the 25th next and the 24th following, 
while the Collegiate cadets brought up the rear. As during the 
street parade, the cadets marched more perfectly than the red- 
coats. All the troops, however, marched well, and as each com- 
pany passed the stand there was great cheering. The beautiful 
ceremony of trooping the colors, performed by the Grenadiers, 
•followed, when the brigade was dismissed. The physical drill bv 




Firing Feu de joie 

a picked squad of the Grenadiers was the most enjoyable spec- 
tacle of the afternoon, and aroused great enthusiasm as the clock- 
like movements of the athletes kept time to the music of the 
band. The fancy drill of the Canton of uniformed Oddfellows 
under Capt. Squance, with their beautiful uniform, was excellent- 
ly done and aroused immense plaudits. 

After that the baseball match followed. 

Having had supper, the Grenadiers broke camp at 8 o'clock, 
and marched by way of Talbot street to the Grand Trunk sta- 
tion, the band playing and the men singing "Rule Britannia" to 
the delight of the thousands upon thousands of spectators who 
lined the streets. Cheers were given by the Grenadiers for St. 



60 



11 le Talbot Scttlciiiciit 




Grenadiers Trooping the Colors 



Thomas as they passed down the street, and in this connection it 
is gratifying to state that the Toronto visitors expressed their 
perfect satisfaction with the treatment accorded them here in 
every respect. They were given a great send-off at the station. 



EVENING CONCERT. 

A concert was given at night at the Granite Rink by the 
25th regimental band which was fairly well attended. The band 
rendered a fine programme in their usual good style. Dr. Guest 
made a few remarks and the postponed bicycle races were com- 
pleted. There were six entries in the bicycle race which was won 
by Gordon Foote. Mr. Grant gave an exhibition of fancy and 
trick bicvcle riding. 



Ccniciniial Celebration 6/ 



Ontario Historical Society Meeting 

On Wednesday 3rd June the above Society met in the hand- 
some and spacious Court Room of the Court House in St. 
Thomas. The President C. C. James in the chair, Geo. R. 
Pattullo, Woodstock, Vice President, David Boyle, .Secy., Col. 
E. B. Edwards. K. C. Peterboro', Mrs. J. H. Thompson and 
Alfred Wilson, Toronto, being among the officers and councillors 
of the Society present, together with a large number of members 
and delegates. 

The afternoon session was taken up chiefl)- by the reading 
of the Secretary's and Treasurer's reports and the reports of the 
various affiliated societies, after which an adjoinment 
was made to the Room of the Local Society in the Court|House 
where the Curator Mrs. St. Thomas Smith, had arranged the 
Museum and Library of the Institute for inspection. After 
registration of the names of the Visiting officials, members and 
delegates, they were treated by the Elgin Historical and Sc. 
Institute to a trip over the City Electric Railway to Pinafore 
Park and around the Beltline, visiting the Centennial Cairn at 
the Park and the City Hall en route. 

The register showed the following members were present at 
the meeting. 

George R. Pattullo, Woodstock, Oxford Historical Society. 

Justus A. Griffin, Hamilton, Wentworth Historical Societv. 

Miss E.J. Chandler, Belleville, Ont. 

James Egan, London. 

C. O. Ermatinger, Elgin. 

Alfred Wilson, York Pioneer Societv, Toronto. 

Judge R. S. Woods, Chatham. 

Robt. I. Warner, St. Thomas, Canadian Methodist Historical 
Society. 

Mrs. C. Fessenden, Wentworth. 

E. B. Edwards, Peterborough. 

Judge Robb, Norfolk. 

H. H. Robertson, Wentworth. 

Thos. Conant, Oshawa. 

Jas. H. Coyne, St. Thomas. 

Joshua Adams, Sarnia. 

Miss Margaret F. Allan, Bowmanville. 

Miss M. E. Riddell, Bowmanville. 



62 Tlic Talbol SeUlcmiiil 

Dr. W. F. Campbell, ]as. Egan, C. E. Leonard, Miss Priddis, 
London. 

The St. Thomas lady members present were: 
Mrs. J. H. Wilson, president of Women's Auxiliary; Mrs. 
St. Thomas Smith, Curator of local society, Mrs. N. W. Moore, 
Mrs. J. T. C. Finlay, Miss Travers, Mrs. Silcox, secretary local 
society Women's Auxiliary; Mrs. Ermatinger, 2nd vice pres- 
ident ; Charlotte S. Wegg, assistant secretary ; Mrs. S. Burns. 

ADDRESSES OF WELCOME 

At the evening session extempore addresses of Welcome 
were delivered by Alderman Luton for the Mayor of St. Thomas 
whowasabsentin Toronto, and Warden McKellar for the County 
Council of Elgin, who adjourned for the occasion, after which 
Judge Ermatinger, President of the local Society, read an ad- 
dress as follows: 

Mr. President and the Members of the Ontario Historical Society: 
In bidding you welcome on behalf of the Elgin Historical 

and Scientific Institute, I was told I should follow established 

usage in committing to writing what I might have to say. 

Your Society meets for the first time in the centre of what 

was long known as the Talbot Country- a country not wanting 

in interest to the antiquarian and the historian. 

To-morrow, if the weather be propitious, you will have an 
opportunity of visiting and inspecting the spot where the re- 
mains of an ancient entrenchment or fortified village of the 
aboriginal inhabitants still exists, after the lapse of centuries, 
in a form, it is said, as well, if not better, preserved than any 
found elsewhere in this Dominion. 

You will then at a distance of only some three miles thence 
be able to visit and personally inspect thespot where the founder 
of this prosperous settlement began his work of introducing what 
we call civilization, in this region, by felling the first tree and 
establishing his home at Port Talbot. 

Just four years ago, I had the honour of calling the attention 
of the members of our Institute and the public, to the then 
approaching Centennial anniversary of that event, and without 
further trespassing on. your time by detailing what is already 
set forth, I believe, in our formal report to your Society, I may 
say the inhabitants of the district, have recently participated, 
with many brothers and sisters from abroad, in a five day cele- 
bration, commencing on the anniversary day, 21st May, with a 
unanimity, a liberality, and a success extremely gratifying to all 
our people, and especially so to the members of our Institute 



Centennial Celebration 63 

who sviggested it, and to which it is hoped your meeting here will 
form a fitting climax. 

I may say that the 21st May, was from 181 7 to 1838 or there- 
abouts, marked by a festival held here, except for the last couple 
of years, when it was held in London, under the name of the Talbot 
Anniversary, as a personal tribute to Colonel Talbot by the 
settlers, — while our recent Centennial Celebration was held in 
honour of all the Pioneers, the Colonel included, who not only laid 
the foundation, but built up the fabric of this prosperous and 
happy settlement. 

And it is a somewhat interesting historical fact that the 
suggestor to whom the inception of the Talbot Anniversary fes- 
tivals of old was due, was Dr. John Rolph, himself at the time 
a settler living within a mile of St. Thomas, and a friend and 
professedly ardent admirer of Colonel Talbot, who at the time 
the last festival was held, was an exile from the country 
thro' his advanced political course, he and the Colonel politically 
wide as the poles asunder. The one prominent man who, on the 
other hand, opposed the inauguration of the Talbot Anniversary 
at that time (181 7) was Colonel Burwell, who nevertheless con- 
tinued to enjoy Colonel Talbot's friendship and political support 
I believe, to the last; showing as it seems to me, that Colonel Tal- 
bot was capable of magnanimity of feeling, and judgment, un- 
influenced by petty considerations. 

Colonel Talbot's hfe work and the anniversary festivals 
practically closed about the same time, for he informed Mrs. 
Jameson in 1837 ,that he had accomplished what he had set out 
to do. Tho' he lived until 1853, the intervening years were the 
period of his decline. He was a product of the Georgian era, and 
his power as the uncrowned King of these regions may be said 
to have expired with the last of those Kings whose confidence he 
enjoyed, and under whom he flourished. 

The reign of the young Queen who then ascended the throne 
w^as almost co-terminus with our settlement's century. In it, 
material, political and educational advancement, not possible 
under former conditions, has been made, and nowhere is Vic- 
toria the Good held in deeper reverence, than in the Talbot 
settlement. 

I mav add that it was the hope of our Institute to have un- 
veiled, on the 2ist of May last, on the Court House Square in this 
city, a fitting memorial of Her Gracious Majesty, which would, 
by appropriate embellishments and inscriptions, have also suit- 
ably commemorated the settlement and its pioneers and history. 
Owing to circumstances beyond the Institute's control, which I 
need not detail, this was impossible of accompHshment, though 



()4 TJie Talbot Seii lenient 

I hope that some vSuitable memorial of her Majesty may yet 
adorn this city. Meantime a local historical memorial, intended 
to be as permanent, if in ruder form, has been erected at Pinafore 
Park, in the shape of a Cairn of stones, each representing, and 
having engraved upon it, the name of one of the original 29 town- 
ships comprised within the Talbot Settlement within which, 
when put in permanent condition, will be deposited documents 
relating to the present Centenary. 

At the risk of being considered heterdox, I venture the 
opinion that the historian should not stop short at the collection 
of dry facts, the preservation of musty documents, and the plant- 
ing of memorials of the past. It seems to me that he misses the 
higher part of his vocation if he fail to place the facts in their 
true setting of surrounding details and conditions, at least so 
as to insure that the lamp of knowledge he lights may enable 
those who may go forward into the future, to pursue a right path 
and avoid the obstructions and pitfalls of the past. 

Judging Colonel Talbot, for instance, by present day stand- 
ards, it is easy to depict him as a monster of cruelty, oppression, 
rapacity, and intemperance, as indeed it seems rather the fashion 
now to paint him. Placed in the light and shade and amid the 
environments of the days in which he lived, probably he would 
present a different figure and moral aspect to his critics. 

Slavery was made illegal by the first Parliament of the 
Province, -which he attended in the suite of the first Governor, 
yet was not immediatelv completely abolished. Duelling con- 
tinued to be regarded as a necessary mode of settling certain 
classes of disputes for many years after, while gambling and in- 
temperance were almost necessary social accomplishments. 
Land grabbing was general, and whole townships were granted 
to individuals who made no sacrifice either of money or effort 
to promote settlement to the extent that Colonel Talbot did. 
Indeed colonization schemes for the enrichment of speculators 
rather than the benefit of the colonists, have not been unknown 
even in our own day. Responsible government was imperfectly 
tmderstood in the mother land, and much less in the colonies. 

I mention these things, not as an apologist for Colonel Tal- 
bot, or defender of his methods or habits, but simply to show 
the necessity for surrounding historical characters with the 
atmosphere and environments in which they lived. 

We may boast of our material advancement, of our progress 
in education, art and science, but are we more loyal, true, moral 
and God-fearing than were the early pioneers, with their fine, 
large families, of, for the most part, dutiful sons and daughters? 



Coiiciiiual Celebration 6.5 

• 

Ave we better men and women than they — individually, sociallv, 
and politically purer and less corrupt ? 

It may be the historian has no business to suggest, much 
less to attempt to answer such questions, yet if he does his duty 
in presenting the Past to the gaze of the Future, the questions 
will suggest themselves ; and upon the answer we are able to 
truthfully give to them, depends the verdict whether we have 
made use of otn- superior advantages and opportunities to ful- 
fil what it was intended we should be or do, when we were placed 
in this favoured region of the world. And it we find we have 
failed as yet, then, let us make resolve to put the new century 
to better use. 

Lest I should be accused of preaching when I should speak 
words of compliment, let me close by complimenting you upon 
the good work being done by the Ontario Society, and the val- 
uable collections and publications being made, in which your 
efficient Secretary is especially interested, I believe. The recent 
published work of our and your past President, Mr. Covne, 
we are glad to know, forms a valuable addition to the Literature 
of the Society. 

I hope, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the present 
meeting mav prove a pleasant as well as profitable one to us all. 
• ■ C. O. ERMATINGER, 

President Elgin Historical & Sc. Institute. 

President James reply, which was of some length and full 
of interest, dealt chiefly with the life of Governor Simcoe, and 
the recent unveiling^f the monument erected in his memory 
at Toronto, which rendered the subject of the address a timely 
one. Though too long for reproduction here. President James 
valuable contribution appears in the publications of the 
Provincial Society . 

In the absence of Col. Clarke of Elora, who was to have read 
a papeK Judge Ermatinger read his paper, announced for the 
afternoon, on the early life of Col. Talbot. 

VISIT TO SOUTHWOLD EARTHWORKS AND PORT TALBOT. 

On the morning of June 4th at about 9 o'clock the members 
of the Ontario Society and the Elgin County Council were driven 
by the members of the local Society to the old Indian Fort or 
Earthworks on the Henderson farm in Southwold, the largest 
and best preserved, it is said, of their kind in Canada, where a 
very, interesting address on "Ontario Onomatology" was given 
by H. F. Gardiner of Hamilton, and one upon the Earthworks 
themselves by David Boyle the Archeologist and Secretary, and 
an enjoyable luncheon partaken of. 



(/^ 



1/ic Talbol Sefllciiuiil 




Cenieiniial Celebration 67 

The party next drove to Port Talbot where they were wel- 
comed by Mr. Talbot Macbeth K.C., the present proprietor, and 
Mrs. MacBeth and spent a very pleasant afternoon in viewing 
the historic place where civilized life was inaugurated by Col. 
Talbot, the spot where the original "first tree" was cut by the 
Colonel being pointed out by Mr. John Brown, J. P. A paper 
by Mr. Smith I. P. S. of Went worth was followed by an interest- 
ing talk by Mr. J. H. Coyne on the early visits of notable 
people to Port Talbot, particularly Mrs. Jameson, extracts from 
whose graceful description of the Colonel and his home were 
read. 

Refreshments were again served, on the lawn bv the ladies 
of the Elgin Historical Society, whose eiTorts on this and the 
previous day and indeed throughout the whole Centennial Cele- 
bration, cannot be too highly praised. 

A large number of Pioneers who had lived in the time of 
Colonel Talbot were bv invitation present here and at the In- 
dian Fort and, distinguished by yellow badges, were regarded 
and their conversation heard, with much interest. 

In front of the old homestead, the Provincial Society and 
their hosts and Pioneers were photographed, as well as at the 
Earthworks. 

At about 6.30, after the national Anthem was sung, carriages 
were taken for St. Thomas and the annual meeting and outing 
of the Provincial Society came to an end. 

As throughout the St. Thomas Celebration, the weather 
during the two days of the Ontario Society's visit was perfect, 
indicating that Providence smiled upon the whole Talbot Settle 
ment Centenary. 

It remains only to be added that the financial success of the 
Celebration was in keeping with the general result, a handsome 
surplus in cash being left in the hands of the general Celebration 
Committee in St. Thomas, out of which the Cairn in the Park 
has been rendered a permanent and enduring monument of 
the First Centenarv of the Talbot Settlement. 



6S The Talbot Settlcniciil 



Minutes of General Comniittee 
Summarized 

The above Committee met on March i6th and outlined a 
I programme similar in its main features to ihat ultimately adop- 
ted and carried out. 

At a public meeting held on 23rd March this programme was 
adopted, subject to modification or arrangement to suit the 
exigencies. 

Mayor C. F. Maxwell was elected the Permanent Chair- 
man of the Committee alread}' named which was made the 
executive committee, with power to add to their number and 
subdivide the work. 

The various municipalities and the Talbot settlement 
generally were invited to co-operate and take part in the demon- 
stration, as also the various Fraternal and other Societies. 

At a meeting held March 23rd, the following were appointed 
a subscription Committee. Messrs E. A. Smith, F. Doggett, 
W. B. Waterbury, P. Meehan and B. F. Honsinger, with power to 
add to their number . J. Mackenzie and H. Rudolph were sub- 
sequently added. 

Dr. Bartlett was elected Treasurer of the General Committee, 

The offer of the 24th Regiment of Chatham to attend for 
$200 to defray expenses was accepted. 

Colonel McLachlin was authorized to secure the 7th Regi- 
ment of London if possible. 

It was decided to invite the Minister of Militia and Lord 
Dundonald for 25th May to open the new Armoury. 

W. H. Murch, W. B. Waterbury and H. Roe were appointed 
a Printing Committee. 

The Elgin Historical and Scientific Institute was given 
charge of proceedings for 21st May. 

Messrs Doggett, F. W. Wright and S. Silcox to have, in 
connection with Board of Education, charge of second day's 
programme. 

Dr. Guest, L. Ferguson, JohnMcKenzie and Sheriff Brown 
(to whom Judge Ermatinger was subsequently added) to have 
charge of the Pioneer Part of Saturday's programme. 

Dr. Bartlett, K. W. McKay and J. H. Coyne to take charge 



Centeiniial Celebrahon 



69 



of "Old Bovs" part of programme for Saturday May 23rd. 

On March 30th, the subscription committee met a committee 
of the Retail Merchants Ass'n, when the latter agreed to contribute 
$300, providing a Trades Procession be abandoned. A rough 
estimate of receipts $1550 and expenditure $1500 was arrived at. 

At a meeting of the General Committee held April 6th, it 
was resolved that- all funds be deposited in, the Merchants Bank 
to the credit of the Centennial Committee^and withdrawn only 
by cheques signed by the 
Treasurer and countersigned 
by the Chairman and that 
Henry Roe be permanent 
Secretary of the Celebration 
at a salary of $3 per day 
(Sundays excluded), March 
23rd to May 30th. 

On April 7th members 
of the General Committee 
waited upon the City Council 
to ask for a grant of $500 for 
Demonstration p u r pose s, 
which was granted. 

A proposition from the 
10 Royal Grenadiers to come 
on the night of May 23rd and 
remain until night of 25th 
was accepted .committee to 
furnish caterer and tents, in 
lieu of buildings for sleepin-g. 

At a meeting of the 
General Committee held 
April 8th Messrs S. Silcdx, H. 

C.Hockin and J.W.Stewart Henry Roe, Secretary Celebration Committee 

were appointed a committee to confer with the Ladies Histor- 
ical Society as to holding a concert in the Granite ^ Rink and 
to rent the Rink for all the davs of the Celebration. 

On April 1 6th Col. McLachlin, K. W. McKay, H. C. Hockin 
and S. H. Palmer were appointed to report a full programme 
for Monday May 25th. 

On the 20th April at a meeting of the general Committee 
the Sec'y was requested to reply to a letter from Capt. Kent of 
Windsor that the Committee had invited the 10 Royal Grena- 
diers and 24th Regiment for May 25th and while they would be 
glad to have the Essex Regiment as visitors the finances would 
not permit their sending out further invitations. 




jO The Talbot Settlement 

Judge Ermatinger was added to the Pioneer Committee and 
his suggestion as to having a Cairn erected in the Park adopted. 

The Sec.'y was asked to request of the City Council an official 
opening of the Park on Saturday 23rd May under the name 
"Centennial Park" and for permission to erect Cairn therein 
and that the Council assist the Reeves in its erection. 

The following were appointed a Decoration Committee: — 

W. J. McCance, J. Henning, C. Sanders, S. Chant. Geo. 
xMidgley, E. G. Cooper, N. W. Moore, T. G. Mclntyre, R.Stirl- 
ing, W. Worth, Jr., W.W. Lumsden. Jos. Rivard, R. H. Dowler, 
C. Corbett, Jas. Egan, C. M. Baldwin, R. M. J. Webb, A. M. C. 
Donaldson. 

The following were appointed an Illumination Committee: 
M. A. Gilbert, John Farley, C. H. Hepinstall, T. H. Duncombe, 
R. Blackmore, G- A. Ingram, W. Cornforth, E. G. O'Donnell, 
S. B. Pocock, 

The Sec'y was requested to ask all the ministers of the City 
to prepare special Historical sermons for 24th Mav. 

Messrs K. W. McKay, R. M. Anderson and 'Col. McLachhn 
were appointed a Committee to report on catering of soldiers. 

The design submitted by Mr. Waterbury was adopted as 
the official badge or coat of arms of the Centennial Celebration 
and electro-types ordered. 

Steps were taken to have a wheelsman's gathering and con- 
test on Saturday 23rd May. 

At a meeting on April 27 th the following committee were 
given full charge of the Rink and of everything to be carried on 
in and in connection therewith viz. F. Doggett, Dr. Guest, 
Col. McLachlin and Mrs. Dr. Wilson. The same committee 
appointed to engage and allot Bands. 

Mr. R. M. Anderson reported as to catering 10 Royal Grena- 
diers that men could be subsisted for 16 2-3C. per meal. 

J. Farrell and A. M. Hutchinson were added to the Commit- 
tee and given authority to arrange for the catering. 

A grant of $100 was made to Pioneer Committee for attrac- 
tions including Indian Band. 

Messrs J. H. Coyne, W. B. Waterbury, J. W. Stewart and 
F. Hunt were appointed a committee on attractions. 

The Mayor was requested to procure the bells of the city 
to be rung for 20 minutes on 21st May. 

At a meeting held 30th x^pril, K. W. McKay Esq. in the 
chair. Dr. Silcox submitted programme for Empire Day and 
prices of admission to Rink were fixed — all children to be free 
in afternoon May 22nd and charged 15c. for evening and adults 
15c. in afternoon and 25c in evening. 



Coitcjiiiial Celebration 7/ 

Invitations to adjoining country schools to be present at 
Concert authorized — and $35 guaranteed for concert expenses. 

Fifty dollars was appropriated for bands for Pioneer Day. 

It was decided that Pioneer procession be formed at" St. 
Andrew's market at 10 a.m. May 2 3rd, the old Bovs on registering 
at City Hall receive a badge entitling them to free admission to 
all entertainments and that a formal welcome be tendered them 
in the Rink in the evening. 

Fraternal Societies and citizens generally were asked to 
decorate the graves of departed friends on May 24th at 2 p. m. 

Canton Victoria was engaged for drill at 4 p. m. May 25th 
to be paid $25 

Baseball and other games and races authorized for same 
hour total expense $45. 

Walter Ross and W. W. Lumsden addressed the Committee 
on behalf of Decoration Committee and S. Pocock on behalf of 
Illumination Committee and these committees were guaranteed 
$100 and $150 respectively, total appropiations made $2050 — 
estimated receipts — collections $1600, concerts $450 — $2050. 

At a meeting held May 4th R. M. Anderson Esq. in the 
chair, a proposition was made bv Col. Burke, U.S. Consul, as 
to presentation of medals to life saving crew and arrangements 
made for that ceremony at Rink Friday evening. Guest Badges 
to be presented to crew to admit them to all entertainments etc. 
A proposition from W.K. Cameron for opening of new athletic 
grounds also received. 

A central Executive Committee consisting of the Mavor, 
the Sec'y, Messrs Murch, Silcox. McKay, Guest and Doggett was 
appointed to act during recess of General Qommittee. 

Printing Committee were asked to enlist the services of 
"Onlooker" and "Bohemian" of the local press to assist in 
obtaining contributions to general fund. 

The following were added by the Central Executive to the 
General Committee on Mav nth — M. G. Hav, G. R. McColl, 

F. Sutherland, H. McPherson. R. L. McCally, E. A. Horton, 

G. Geddes, F. S. Lewis and E. A. Smith. 

The last meeting of the General Committee previous to 
the celebration, was held on May i8th, W. H. Murch, Esq., in 
the chair. It was decided to present the visiting Reeves with 
Guest badges and to provide meals for crews of "Petrel" and 
Lifeboat. A large amount of other preliminary business was 
transacted. 

On May 30th, the General Committee met, Mr. John Mc- 
Kenzie in the chair. 

Reports from chairmen of various committees of expenses 



'J 2 The lalbot Settle} ueiit 

were read totaling $2424.93 

Dr. Bartlett reported receipts 3087 . 67 

Shewing surplus . $ 662.74 

It was decided to ask Mr. H. T. Gough to audit the accounts 
and print a summary in the newspapers. The following Com- 
mittee was appointed to complete the Cairn in Pinafore Park 
— Judge Ermatinger, K. W. McKay, J. A. Bell, J. H. Coyne 
and F. Doggett. 

A vote of thanks was tendered the Hon. the Minister of 
Pubhc Works for illuminating Post Office. 

Also to Mr. and Mrs. Payne and Mr. and Mrs. St. Thomas 
Smith for assistance with Log Cabin, etc. 

Surplus badges were turned over to the Elgin Historical 
Society. 

Thanks to loth Royal Grenadiers, 24th and2 5th Regiments 
and C. I. Cadets and to the Press also were voted. 




Cairn Completed 



B 10 



Zbc 



XLnlbot Settlement 

Centenary 
Celebration 




St. ICbomas, ©ntario 



1903 




m 



^ t 



